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 · From Pitkin Creek (on the way to Mount Solitude)
Overview
Climber's Point is an unranked summit just south of Mount Solitude in the Gore Range. You pass right over it on the usual route to Solitude: up the east fork of Pitkin Creek, through a willow band, and up a long tundra valley to the saddle just south of the point.
It is Class 2+ with a steep willow band low down and a short climb from the saddle to the top. Its east ridge forms a steep wall above the valley.
Out and back it is about 10.3 miles with 4,570 feet of gain. Most people continue north along the ridge to Mount Solitude.
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 treesTundraRidgeExposed 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
Leave the trail near the lower campsite and get across the main fork of Pitkin Creek to its east bank.
6
Willow band 10,900' · 3.7 mi
Get through the steep willow band at the bottom of the valley.
7
Upper valley 11,800' · 4.3 mi
Climb the long tundra valley.
8
Saddle 12,700' · 4.9 mi
Reach the saddle just south of Climber's Point.
9
Summit 13,022' · 5.15 mi
Turn north and climb to the top. Mount Solitude is a short ridge walk beyond.
Getting down
Return the way you came, or continue to Mount Solitude and descend from there.
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. 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 Climber`s Point we list, with its class.
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.