Is it right for you?
Sayres Benchmark is a big twin-summited peak south of La Plata Peak. The easy way is a Class 2 ridge walk from UN 13,440; the north face holds steep snow couloirs for experienced climbers, and the ridge from La Plata's southwest route is loose Class 4.
From UN 13,440 you walk south over Point 13,430 and a small bump to a saddle, climb about 650 feet to the summit ridge, and cross the west summit to the higher east one. It's tundra, chip rock and rubble, rockier at the end.
The loop is about 8.5 miles with 3,850 feet of gain. Kids have done it.
Plan of the day
By 6:30 a.m.
Be on UN 13,440 by 10:30 a.m.
Nothing hard; just the length.
Easy. On the way back, drop into the northwest basin to pick up the old mining roads.
The South Fork and side streams. Filter it.
This week on the summit
Conditions on the summit
Loading Fetching the forecast for 13,746'…—
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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.
Getting there
South Fork Lake Creek
From US 24 between Leadville and Buena Vista, take Highway 82 west past Twin Lakes about 14.5 miles and turn left (south) on the South Fork Lake Creek road (Forest Road 391), at the La Plata Peak trailhead. From Aspen, it's about 4.5 miles below the last switchback on the east side of Independence Pass.
Cross the bridge over the narrow Lake Creek gorge and drive through private land about 2.7 miles to where the Sayres Gulch road (Forest Road 382) forks right. Park near this junction. A high-clearance vehicle is best. The old mining road up the ridge east of Sayres Gulch is gated and closed for restoration.
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
South Fork Lake Creek. 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 →