Afternoon storm risk is the line that matters. Everything else is comfort. In summer, plan to be off the ridge before the build-up starts, not as it starts. Forecast for the summit point, adjusted for its elevation · data from Open-Meteo.
Alternate route · East Ridge
Overview
This route climbs Stewart Peak from the east, starting at the remote Nutras Creek trailhead in the La Garita Mountains. It follows a faint trail up the Nutras Creek valley, then climbs through trees to Stewart's long east ridge and walks the ridge to the top. It is Class 2 the whole way, with talus and a few rocky spots on the upper ridge.
It suits hikers who are comfortable off trail and can follow a creek when the path fades. The trail is thin and easy to lose. Above the creek there is no trail at all, so you pick your own line to the ridge. The payoff is quiet. This is a far-off corner of the state and you may see no one.
The route is about 8.25 miles round trip with roughly 3,000 feet of gain. Most people take 6 to 8 hours car to car. The drive in is long, so many people camp near the trailhead the night before.
Plan of the day
Start by
By 6 a.m. The creek section goes quickly, but you want to be on the open ridge early before storms build.
Turnaround
If you are not on the ridge above 13,100 feet by 11 a.m., or the sky is darkening, turn back. The ridge is long and open.
Crux
Getting off the creek and up to the east ridge. It is steep, trailless forest from about 11,800 to 12,300 feet. On the upper ridge, a rough point near 13,000 feet needs to be skirted.
Route-finding
Moderate. The creek trail comes and goes, and there is a tricky spot near a side stream just over 2 miles in. Above the bristlecone pines there is no trail, but once on the ridge the way is clear.
Water
Nutras Creek runs beside the lower route and is the only water. There is none on the ridge. Fill up and filter before you leave the creek near 11,800 feet.
Coming from the north, follow U.S. 50 until it meets Colorado 114, which is roughly 3.5 miles west of Parlin and east of Gunnison. From here it is roughly 47 miles to the trailhead. Go south on Colorado 114 for 20 miles and turn right on road NN14. It turns to dirt. At Dome Lakes, 6.8 miles on, make a right onto road 15GG; it later turns into Forest Road 794. In 4 miles, bear right at a junction onto road 14DD, still FR 794. Go about 12 miles to a signed junction. Keep straight on FR 794 where the sign points to the Stewart Creek trailhead, and go 2.3 miles. You reach the Nutras Creek trailhead a short way before the road fords Nutras Creek. Coming up from the San Luis Valley, go north on Colorado 114 as far as Dome Lakes, then use the directions above from that point.
About 7 miles along road 14DD, the road crosses Pauline Creek on concrete slabs. A car with good clearance is needed. These are long, remote dirt roads with no services, so bring a full tank and a spare tire.
Trail in the treesTundraTalus and screeRidgeExposed to lightning
The line is elevation, the band underneath is the ground, and the numbered dots match the steps below. Mileage and elevations are approximate.
1
Nutras Creek trailhead 10,950' · 0 mi
From the bend in the road, walk west past the last parking spots and find the trail. There is no sign.
Watch for: The start is easy to miss. Look just past the final parking spots.
2
Along Nutras Creek 11,250' · 1 mi
Follow the trail southwest beside the creek. It fades in places. If you lose it, stay near the creek and you will find it again.
3
Side stream crossing 11,550' · 2.1 mi
The trail gets harder to follow and you reach a small stream flowing in from the northwest. Go right about 50 yards, then left to cross it, and walk a short way west to return to Nutras Creek.
Watch for: Easy place to lose the trail. Stay close to the main creek.
4
Boulder field 11,650' · 2.3 mi
Keep along the creek to a boulder field. Follow a faint path along the bottom edge of the rocks to the far side.
5
Bristlecone pines by the creek 11,800' · 2.55 mi
Stay near the creek for about another quarter mile to a spot near 11,800 feet with bristlecone pines. This is where you leave the creek.
Watch for: Last water. Fill up here.
6
Last bristlecones and the east ridge 12,300' · 3 mi
Turn right and climb northwest through the trees. There is no trail. Keep going northwest up the steep slope to the last bristlecones near 12,300 feet and onto the ridge.
Watch for: Note where you came up so you can find the same line on the way down.
7
First view of the summit 12,700' · 3.4 mi
Follow the ridge northwest, then west. The summit is now in view and the rest of the route is easy to see.
Watch for: You are above treeline from here. Watch the weather.
8
Rugged point bypass 13,100' · 3.7 mi
A rough point sits on the ridge. Go around it rather than over, then get back on the crest near 13,100 feet.
9
Rocky sections on the crest 13,500' · 3.9 mi
Stay on the ridge crest. Climb through a few rocky stretches. Above them the ground gets easier.
Watch for: Watch your footing on talus.
10
Summit of Stewart Peak 13,988' · 4.1 mi
Walk the last easy stretch to the top. Look south to Baldy Alto and San Luis Peak.
Getting down
Go back the way you came. Follow the east ridge down, going around the rough point near 13,100 feet again. The most important part is leaving the ridge at the right place near 12,300 feet and heading southeast down through the trees to Nutras Creek. If you drop too far east or west, you may end up in steep, thick forest. Once at the creek, follow it back down to the trailhead, staying close to the water where the trail fades.
If things go wrong
The ridge is broad and open, so the fastest way off is always back east to the trees near 12,300 feet, then down to the creek. Below treeline you have cover from lightning. This is a remote area. Help is far away and cell signal is poor or absent. Tell someone your plan before you go. In an emergency, call 911 if you can get a signal, and expect a long wait.
Other routes
Every way up Stewart Peak we list, with its class.
This describes the route in its usual season. Distances and elevations are close estimates for planning. Snow, ice, rockfall, a washed-out road or an afternoon storm can make it a very different climb. Check recent conditions the week you go and turn around when the day tells you to.