Lead Mountain Summit Trail
The mileage looks daunting, but a good deal of this hike is the long and scenic approach. Trails are class 1 from the trailhead, all the way to the end of the Hitchens Gulch Trail, 6.2 miles in. The actual class 3 terrain is only roughly 1.3 miles on the standard route, but every foot is an exciting experience. Lead’s east ridge is airy and exhilarating, with sheer drop-offs to the north. Rock is solid but the exposure will boost your concentration. A few moves may be considered class 4 or 3+ if you stay on the spine of the ridge. The holds are solid and obvious, but if you blow it, you’ll be shuffling off this mortal coil with haste. If you aren’t used to this kind of exposure, an alternate class 3 route on the south side of the ridge is just as good.
Driving Directions
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Directions to: Lead Mountain Summit Trail
print directionsTrail Statistics & Information
| Activity | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Nearby City | Gaskil |
| Length | 15.3 mi |
| Elevation Gain | 3,727 ft |
| Skill Level | Difficult; Class 3/3+ |
| Duration | 9–14 hours |
| Season | July–September |
| Trailhead Elevation | 9,100 ft |
| Top Elevation | 12,537 ft |
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