W0C/FR-035 (Meridian Hill) 3495M / 11490 ft
Oct 9, 2013 by KX0R
Meridian Hill is a fine SOTA site located in the Mount Evans Wilderness. Despite its proximity to the Denver metro area, it is rarely climbed. This mountain presents significant physical and navigational challenges; the route detailed here climbs 2500 vertical feet from the trailhead in about 5.5 miles, with about 2.5 miles off-trail. This peak requires preparation, map study, and accurate navigation, but the trip can be a rewarding adventure.
The climb starts at the Meridian Trailhead east of Harris Park. Start by driving west of Denver on Highway 285. Drive past Conifer and Pine Junction, and turn north on paved County Road 43. Drive about 7 miles up Deer Valley, and then turn right on paved road 47. Drive up over a ridge, descend a little, and turn left on Prospectors Way, road 102. There’s a small sign for the Meridian Trailhead at this key junction. Follow dirt road 102 up Elk Creek about a mile, past private Camp Rosalie, to the small USFS trailhead; road 102 is OK for most cars.
The Meridian Trail starts by crossing a bridge to the east side of Elk Creek, and then it ascends continuously for about 3 miles, from 9040 feet to the 10,700 foot Pass east of Mount Rosedale. This is a high-quality trail with nice views from meadows below the pass. At the Pass there is a sign at the boundary of the Mount Evans Wilderness. This is a good place to turn on your GPS unit and look carefully at your map.
Leave the trail and head east into the forest, staying either on the ridge east of the Pass, or just north of that ridge. There are faint trails near the ridge and closer to Mud Lakes. Navigate about 1-1/2 miles through mostly open forest toward the Lakes, and eventually emerge from the forest into a huge marshy basin at about 10,700 feet. There are several shallow lakes in this sub-alpine swamp. It was here that I encountered a surprised moose! Hike around the northwest side of the marsh, and then head southeast along the northern edge of the open area. Old log cabins are hidden in the woods just north of the lakes. This is real wilderness – but the terrain is not difficult – and it’s grand!
You can see Meridian Hill from the Mud Lakes basin, and the ascent is straightforward. Northeast of the large eastern lake, head up into the forest and climb up the forested slope over rocks and fallen trees. Head for the 11,200’ saddle west of the summit and reach a large, open boulder field. The big rounded rocks are mostly stable and are fun to climb. Head up the boulder-covered ridge to the top. The west summit is the SOTA summit – which is good, because the top of the mountain is about 2/3 of a mile long and covered with granite boulders. There is a register jar on the top, with a few names written on papers inside. Large rocks near the exposed summit provide some shelter from wind. There are a few trees nearby, so it’s not essential to carry an antenna pole. With no higher mountains to the east, Meridian Hill is an excellent radio site for HF, VHF, and UHF. It’s also a grand place, with Rosedale, Mount Rosalie, and Mount Evans to the west, and a panoramic view from Longs Peak to Pikes Peak.
The trip out is best done by returning to the Pass where the developed trail crosses the Meridian-Rosedale ridge. Heading west from Mud Lakes, avoid descending significantly until you’re on the ridge east of the Pass; remember to head for Rosedale as you approach the Pass, and you’ll meet the trail.
Meridian Hill is a classic SOTA destination, mostly because of its wilderness location and the interesting off-trail route. Save this trip for a dry day in late summer or fall. The off-trail part of the route is probably a snowy ordeal in winter or spring, and the Mud Lakes area is likely infested with mosquitoes in early summer. Be sure to tell someone of your intended route and return time before you start out.
If anyone knows anything of the history of the Mud Lakes cabins, please email me…
George Carey Fuller
KX0R
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- Meridian Hill Trail South of the Pass
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- Meridian Hill from near Mud Lakes
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- Wilderness Sign at the 10,700 ft Pass
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- Moose near Mud Lakes
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- Old Log Cabin below Meridian Hill
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- Mud Lakes from Meridian Hill
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- View West from Meridian Hill
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- Meridian Hill Summit and Mount Evans Summits
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- Meridian Hill’s Huge Summit Ridge
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- KX0R Activation on Meridian Hill
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- KX0R First Activation – ATS-3B and Tuners
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- Rosemont and Rosalie from Mud Lakes
!! 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!
