Northeast Ridge from Gibbs Peak

Overview

Mount Marcy is a remote summit on the main crest south of Gibbs Peak. The usual plan is a long day from a South Brush Creek camp over De Anza Peak and Gibbs Peak.

From Gibbs, return to the main crest and head south, over or around Point 13,335, then southwest to the top. The 1.5-mile walk is tundra and embedded rock, Class 2, with one rockier spot. Marcy can also be linked north from Silver Peak and the Lakes of the Clouds.

Counting De Anza and Gibbs, the round trip from the Gibson Creek trailhead is about 28 miles with 8,000 feet of gain. Mileage and gain are our estimates. Most people backpack in and camp near treeline, then climb the next day. The Ducket Creek trailhead to the north is a bit shorter, with about 1,000 feet less wasted climbing on the Rainbow Trail.

Plan of the day

Getting to the trailhead

From Westcliffe, drive south on Colorado 69 and turn west on County Road 160, across from the gas station. After 6 miles, turn right on County Road 164, go 1.5 miles, then left on County Road 172. The Forest Service boundary (often the winter closure) is 0.3 mile up, and the trailhead 0.2 mile beyond.

Much of the land along the way is private. Park only at the trailhead, or along the road with care if it is full, and don't camp on the drive in.

Next: the route, step by step →

The route

1. 1

   Gibson Creek trailhead 9,130' · 0 mi

   Take the side trail north-northwest past private land to the Rainbow Trail and turn right (north).

2. 2

   Rainbow Trail 9,300' · 0.4 mi

   The Rainbow Trail crosses drainage after drainage. Expect about 2,000 feet of extra up and down before the next turn.

3. 3

   South Brush Creek Trail 9,200' · 6.2 mi

   Turn left (west) at the signed junction with a register.

4. 4

   Goat Creek 9,500' · 6.8 mi

   Cross the creek, usually a trickle, then climb more steeply about half a mile to a ridge.

5. 5

   South Brush Creek 9,900' · 7.6 mi

   Drop to South Brush Creek and find a place to cross; it can be high in early summer. The trail then stays on the north side, well above the creek.

6. 6

   Treeline camp 11,650' · 9.75 mi

   The middle stretch is the steepest. Near the last trees, around 11,600 to 11,700 feet, look for a sheltered campsite a little north of the creek.

7. 7

   Cross the creek 11,700' · 9.9 mi

   Find a way across South Brush Creek near camp.

8. 8

   De Anza Peak 13,391' · 11.25 mi

   Climb De Anza's north flank to the northeast ridge and the top.

9. 9

   Gibbs Peak 13,577' · 12.75 mi

   Follow the ridge about 1.5 miles to Gibbs on tundra and embedded rock. Stay on the west side of the crest; the east side drops steeply into Horseshoe Bend. You lose over 600 feet and climb about 800. Scramble some blocky rock at the top.

10. 10

    Point 13,335 13,335' · 13.6 mi

    Walk back southwest to the main crest and turn south. Go over the point or skirt it; this is the rockiest bit.

11. 11

    Summit 13,504' · 14.25 mi

    Continue southwest on tundra to the top.

Getting down

Walk the ridge back north toward Gibbs. Walk back southwest along the ridge, then northwest to the Gibbs-De Anza saddle. From a little east of the saddle, descend a broken ramp of tundra and rock, crossing three gullies, then drop into the Horseshoe Bend drainage. Contour on the west side of the creek toward the trees near Point 11,575, where game trails lead back to South Brush Creek and camp.

If things go wrong

The Gibbs-De Anza saddle and Horseshoe Bend lead back to camp.

3D flyover

See the trail on video

Other routes

Every way up Mount Marcy we list, with its class.

• Mt. Marcy NE Ridge this routeClass 2 27.75 mi