Overview
Mount Champion is a steep Class 2 climb from the east side of Independence Pass, named for the old Champion Mine whose buildings still stand on its slopes.
The only tricky part is the start: fording the North Fork and finding the trail into Lackawanna Gulch. Then it's a steep, simple climb on grass, tundra and scree past the mine to the ridge.
The round trip is about 4.2 miles with 2,845 feet of gain. UN 13,738 and Deer Mountain continue along the ridge to the north.
Plan of the day
By 7 a.m.
Be at the mine by 10:30 a.m.
Steep, steady gain.
Moderate. Stay on the north side of Lackawanna Gulch until the trees thin.
North Fork Lake Creek and Lackawanna Gulch. Filter it.
Getting to the trailhead
North Fork Lake Creek
From Aspen, drive east on Highway 82 over Independence Pass. On the east side, just below the final switchback as the road comes down into the North Fork Lake Creek valley, turn left onto a short dirt road to a small lot with a wood rail fence, just under 5 miles below the top.
From US 24, take Highway 82 west past Twin Lakes up the Lake Creek valley about 18.5 miles; the turn is on the right just before the first big switchback. Any car can make it. Camping at the lot is poor; there are campgrounds toward Twin Lakes.
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
North 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 →