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.
Colorado 13er · West Slopes via Climber’s Point
Overview
Mount Solitude is a Gore Range 13er above the east fork of Pitkin Creek, northeast of Vail. From the Pitkin Lake Trail you cross the creek, fight your way through a band of willows, then climb a long tundra valley to a saddle south of Climber's Point, and follow the ridge north over Climber's Point to Solitude.
It is Class 2+. The toughest part is getting through the steep willows into the upper valley; above them it is 1,800 feet of steady tundra. The ridge from Climber's Point has a few ups, downs and easy scrambles around rock.
The round trip is about 10.85 miles with 4,640 feet of gain as a long day hike. From the lower campsite on Pitkin Creek it is about 3.35 miles and 2,630 feet.
Plan of the day
Start by
By 5:30 a.m. as a day hike.
Turnaround
Be at the saddle south of Climber's Point by 10:30 a.m.
Crux
The steep willow band at the bottom of the upper valley.
Route-finding
Moderate. Cross to the main fork's east bank near the lower campsite and head for the steep valley that runs southeast to the saddle south of Climber's Point.
Water
Pitkin Creek and small streams in the valley. Filter it.
From I-70, get off at exit 180 for East Vail, roughly 4 miles past the main Vail exit heading east. Cross to the interstate's north side and go right (east) on Fall Line Drive. Drive a short way past condos and cross Pitkin Creek. The small trailhead lot is right after the bridge.
There are only about 10 spaces, and a sign limits parking to two days; call the Vail police for permission to park longer. Don't park in the cul-de-sac just beyond. If the lot is full, try the parking area just south of the interchange on Bighorn Road and walk back.
Trail in the treesTundraRidgeScramblingExposed 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
Pitkin Lake trailhead 8,450' · 0 mi
The Pitkin Lake Trail starts out easy, following the creek's east bank, then crosses on a bridge.
2
Steep log steps 9,100' · 0.7 mi
The trail suddenly climbs very steeply on log steps for about half a mile, then eases, staying above the creek.
3
Beside the creek 9,700' · 2 mi
The trail runs right beside the creek for a while, then crosses a meadow and climbs to another bench.
4
Lower campsite 10,460' · 3.3 mi
The path fords Pitkin Creek's west fork. A large campsite sits just past the crossing, shortly before the trail turns left and climbs steeply to Pitkin Lake.
5
Cross the main fork 10,500' · 3.4 mi
Follow the trail a little farther, then leave it and get across the main fork of Pitkin Creek to its east bank. Walk through a meadow toward the steep valley ahead.
6
Willow band 10,900' · 3.7 mi
Wade through tall plants hiding rocks to a steep bank topped with willows. If the willows are too thick, the little stream channel may be the only way up.
Watch for: Slow, steep and wet. Take your time.
7
Upper valley 11,800' · 4.3 mi
Above the willows, climb about 1,800 feet of tundra up the valley. Flowers hide rocks, so watch your feet. The Partner Peaks come into view.
8
Saddle south of Climber's Point 12,700' · 4.9 mi
The valley ends at a saddle with views down into Bighorn Creek and across to North Traverse Peak.
9
Climber's Point 13,022' · 5.1 mi
Climb over Climber's Point, an unranked summit on the way.
10
Summit 13,085' · 5.4 mi
Follow the ridge crest to Solitude's tundra top. There are a few ups and downs and some easy scrambling around rocky spots.
Getting down
Retrace the ridge and valley. A steep, direct descent down the tundra and scree west of the summit also leads back into the same valley. Near the bottom, try the edge of the trees on the valley's south side to avoid the worst willows.
If things go wrong
From the saddle, the valley leads straight back down to Pitkin Creek.
3D flyover
No 3D flyover for this peak
Above Pitkin Creek the route climbs a trailless valley and ridge. A flyover only works when there is a set trail to trace. Without one, the line would be a guess, and a guess could send you the wrong way on the mountain. Use the step-by-step route with a good map and GPS track instead.
See the trail on video
No video yet
We haven’t found a good video of this route that matches the way we describe it. The route strip, junctions and 3D flyover show the way in the meantime.
Other routes
Every way up Mount Solitude we list, with its class.
Mt. Solitude West Slopesthis routeClass 2+ 10.85 mi
This describes the route on a dry summer day. Most 13ers see few people, so there may be no one along behind you. Check recent conditions the week you go, carry a map, tell someone your plan, and turn around when the day tells you to.