Foto ©1999 by John C. Maki
La Plata Peak, Sawatch Range 14,336'
Northwest Ridge II, Class 2
From Lake Creek Trailhead: 9 miles/4300'
August 23, 1998
David, Donna and I did this one in 1998. Had to cross a rushing
stream over a log bridge, nice waterfall, Mom would like that. Pretty
straightforward climb, down a valley and back up along a slow slope, then
straight up to the northwest ridge, then to the summit. Just long
and steep, no tricks. I think this was the nicest weather on any 14er climb
I've done, T-shirts at the top were plenty. - no wind. Of course,
it was too hot going down, and my quads were getting shaky toward the bottom.
Donna had slowed down on the way up, but took off on the way down.
Just the opposite for me. The view of Ellingwood Ridge from the top
was impressive. When we got down, we drove up 82 to Independence
Pass, and waded around in a snowmelt pond - ahhh!