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 Sunshine Peak by its long east ridge, starting at Mill Creek Campground south of Lake City. It is Class 2. The first 2,500 feet are a steep, rough climb through forest, ledges and talus. Above treeline, the ridge is broad at first and then narrows before the final climb to the summit.
Many people climb it in spring, while the road to the usual Silver Creek trailhead is still shut. In spring it is a snow climb, not a hike. The route suits strong hikers who do not mind steep ground. The round trip is about 7 miles with roughly 4,600 feet of gain, almost as much gain as the standard Redcloud and Sunshine combo.
Most people take 6 to 9 hours car to car. The steep lower slope is tiring on the way up and hard on the knees on the way down.
Plan of the day
Start by
By 5 a.m. In spring, start even earlier so the snow is firm on the way up and you are down before it softens.
Turnaround
If you are not at the flat spot at 12,500 feet by 10 a.m., or storms are building, turn around. In spring, turn back if the snow is getting soft and deep.
Crux
The steep first 2,500 feet up forest, ledges and talus to about 11,600 feet. Higher up, the final 400 feet above the 13,600-foot saddle.
Route-finding
Moderate. The lower trail follows pieces of path and cairns up ledges. Look for where the route turns north, at the end of a ledge just ahead of a gully. Once on the ridge, the way is obvious.
Water
There is no dependable water on the route. Carry 2 to 3 liters. In spring, bring a way to stay hydrated since you cannot rely on streams.
Head south out of Lake City on Colorado 149 for roughly 2 miles. Make a right on County Road 30, signed for Lake San Cristobal and Cinnamon Pass. Drive about 10.9 miles to Mill Creek Campground on the left.
The trail starts on the other side of the road. Look for a green utility box on the north side of the road, about 50 yards up from the campground entrance. Park in a spot that does not block the campground or road.
ScramblingTalus and screeTundraRidgeExposed 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
Mill Creek trailhead 9,400' · 0 mi
Cross the road from the campground entrance. Find the start of the trail next to the green utility box.
Watch for: The start is easy to miss. Look for the utility box.
2
Ledges 9,700' · 0.4 mi
The trail heads east below some rock outcrops, then turns west and climbs broad ledges.
3
End of the ledge 10,000' · 0.7 mi
Use patches of trail or cairns to get to where a ledge ends, a little before a gully. Go right at this point.
Watch for: Do not continue into the gully.
4
Steep forest and talus 11,000' · 1.3 mi
Climb north up steep forest and cross a couple of talus fields. This is the hardest work of the day.
Watch for: Talus can shift. Test each step.
5
Easier ground 11,600' · 1.7 mi
Near 11,600 feet the slope eases. Keep heading northwest.
6
Treeline 12,000' · 2 mi
Reach treeline near 12,000 feet. Make your way up to the east ridge crest.
Watch for: You are exposed from here. Check the weather.
7
East ridge crest 12,200' · 2.2 mi
On the crest, turn left. You get your first look at the summit.
8
Flat spot 12,500' · 2.5 mi
Go west on the ridge until it levels out around 12,500 feet. A good place to check the sky and your time.
9
Large ridge bump 13,300' · 3 mi
Continue along the ridge and climb over a large bump to about 13,300 feet. The ridge gets narrower.
10
Small saddle 13,600' · 3.3 mi
The Class 2 ridge leads to a small saddle at about 13,600 feet, just under the last push.
11
Summit of Sunshine Peak 14,004' · 3.5 mi
For the final 400 feet, stay on the crest or just right of it until you reach the top.
Watch for: Watch for loose rock on the final slope.
Getting down
Go back the way you came. Follow the ridge back east to treeline near 12,000 feet, then go down the steep slope southeast through forest and talus. Find the ledge again and follow it back toward the road. The steep lower section is slow and tiring on the way down. In spring, plan to be off the upper ridge before the snow softens.
If things go wrong
The fastest way off is back down the ridge to treeline near 12,000 feet. Below that you have trees for cover. Do not try to descend off the sides of the ridge, which may lead to steep, unknown ground. In an emergency, call 911 if you have signal.
Other routes
Every way up Sunshine 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.
