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 · SSW Ridge via Usable Pass
Overview
Peak X is one of the friendlier Gore Range 13ers. From the lower campsite on Pitkin Creek, a faint trail leads up the east fork to the head of the valley. You cross a pass the locals call Usable Pass, descend a steep, loose slope on its far side, and follow Peak X's SSW ridge to the top.
It is Class 2+ with a few easy scrambles around boulders and small cliffs on a stable ridge. The trickiest part is the first 100 feet down the east side of Usable Pass: steep, loose gravel and dirt.
The round trip is about 12.7 miles with 4,635 feet of gain as a long day, or 5.2 miles and 2,625 feet from the lower campsite. Many people add Peak Z.
Plan of the day
Start by
By 5 a.m. as a day hike; by 6 a.m. from the lower campsite.
Turnaround
Be at Usable Pass by 10 a.m.
Crux
The steep, loose gravel just below Usable Pass on its east side. Remember you must climb back up it.
Route-finding
Moderate. Faint trail up the east fork to the head of the valley, then the pass south of Point 12,710.
Water
The east fork of Pitkin Creek and small ponds. 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 treesTundraTalus and screeScramblingExposed 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
East fork trail 10,700' · 3.8 mi
Cross the creek near the campsite and follow a faint trail up the east side of the east fork, past a sheltered grassy shelf and some ponds.
Watch for: Wet plants can soak you.
6
Head of the valley 11,600' · 4.9 mi
About an hour up, you reach the head of the valley.
7
Usable Pass 12,300' · 5.3 mi
Climb tundra and small rubble to the pass south of Point 12,710.
8
East side of the pass 12,150' · 5.4 mi
Descend the very steep first 100 feet of loose gravel and dirt. Lower down, move left to the base of a cliff wall where the ground is firmer.
Watch for: Unstable footing. Go one at a time.
9
Saddle below Peak X 12,500' · 5.7 mi
Contour over rubble, small boulders and tundra shelves to the saddle between Peak X and Point 12,710.
10
Summit 13,094' · 6.35 mi
Follow the SSW ridge to the top. It is mostly Class 2 with a few easy scrambles around obstacles.
Getting down
Return the way you came, climbing back up to Usable Pass. Or continue to Peak Z (see that page).
If things go wrong
Go back over Usable Pass and down the east fork.
3D flyover
No 3D flyover for this peak
Above Pitkin Creek the route crosses a pass and a ridge with no set trail. 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.
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.