Sep 02, 2013 by KX0R
Fairburn Mountain is a convenient and pleasant SOTA peak with great access. The trailhead and parking are at Cold Springs Campground, about 1000 feet southwest of where Golden Gate Canyon Road 46 intersects Highway 119, near the major hilltop at about 9350 feet on 119. Park in the free lot just to the right of the forest road – do not enter the campground.
There is no developed trail up Fairburn, but there’s a path with some cairns most of the way up the south ridge. The ascent from the parking lot to the SE summit is 1000 vertical feet in about 1 mile – it’s a pleasant hike up through aspens and evergreens. Unfortunately the SE summit at 10,360 feet is a false summit. The actual SOTA peak at 10390 feet, 3161M, is almost ½ mile to the northwest along the forested ridge. Fortunately there’s little loss of altitude between the summits, but you have to pick your way through some fallen trees, rocks, and other minor obstacles – there is no real trail. Few people visit the real summit. There are numerous places to set up and operate within 75 vertical feet of the top, and good trees for antenna supports are available.
This summit offers the possibility of camping for an overnight outing, and winter access seems likely as well.
It might be possible to access this peak from the Missouri Gulch Road Co Rd 51-S to the west, via the NW ridge of Fairburn, with less ascent and a shorter hike; but I have no information on whether that route is practical.
Fairburn Mountain provides a good SOTA outing with a moderate amount of effort required. Its proximity to the Denver-Boulder area should make it more popular for SOTA activations.
Fairburn View to James Peak and Continental Divide
Fairburn Southeast Summit Area
!! WARNING !! There are old mountaineers, and
bold mountaineers... there are no old-bold mountaineers.
Hiking and mountain climbing are potentially hazardous activities particularly in Colorado with its extreme elevations. I am not accepting responsibility for any death or injury resulting from activations based on my trip reports. Proper training, experience, and personal capability assessment is required - enjoy!
