Overview
McClellan Mountain sits just north of Mount Edwards, above the old Waldorf mining camp south of Georgetown. With 4WD to reach Waldorf, the easiest way to get both is to walk up the basin below Edwards to the saddle between them, climb Edwards, then walk over to McClellan.
It is Class 2 with no trail above the basin. From the saddle, McClellan is only about half a mile and 200 feet of climbing.
The round trip over both summits is about 4.5 miles with 2,400 feet of gain from Waldorf. Without 4WD, add a long road walk.
Plan of the day
By 7 a.m.
Be at the Edwards-McClellan saddle by 11 a.m.
Nothing hard; steeper, trailless ground near 12,400 feet.
Easy. Follow the creek west into the basin below Edwards, then climb west and northwest to the saddle.
The creek below Edwards. Filter it.
Getting to the trailhead
Waldorf Mine
From I-70, take the Georgetown exit and follow the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway through town. A little over 2.5 miles past town, just after a couple of switchbacks, turn right at the sign for Waldorf. With 2WD, park here.
With 4WD and good clearance, drive the Leavenworth Creek road; the first mile is rocky. At the first fork keep right on FS 248.1, climb switchbacks to a sharp corner near 10,000 feet, turn left and drive about 3.5 miles more to the Waldorf Mine area at 11,600 feet.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
Waldorf Mine. Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →