W0C/SP-062
Topaz Mountain
3585 m / 11762 ft
First Activation
Sep 18, 2016

By KX0R

Key Points:

Topaz Mountain is a surprisingly accessible sub-alpine SOTA peak in the Tarryall Mountains east of South Park.

• Pike National Forest
• Jeep trails provide access close to the peak
• Short, moderate off-trail climb to the summit
• Fine scenery, nice views
• Pleasant summit
• Excellent Radio site
• ~ 2.0 miles round-trip
• ~ 600 vertical feet

Driving Directions:

• Drive west on Highway 285 and cross Kenosha Pass
• About 2 miles beyond the Pass, turn left, south, on CR 56, the Lost Park Road
• This unpaved road is rocky and rough, but it’s normally a 2WD road, and high clearance is not required
• Follow the road about 13 miles up to Lost Pass at 10,680 feet
• About 0.3 miles east of the Pass, turn right, south, on FR-446
• FR-446 is a high-clearance 2WD road if it’s dry
• The road has some steep and rocky spots as it approaches Topaz Mountain

• Depending on your vehicle, you may be able to drive close to Topaz
• Even if you park part way, the hike up the road is easy
• Drive or hike to a gentle saddle at 11,200 feet northeast of Topaz
• An old logging road leads off west to a campsite – park here
• This point is about 4.2 driving miles from the turn-off from Road 56

The Hike:

• Hike along the logging road toward the summit – follow it as it ascends northeast of the peak
• From the end of the road, continue toward the summit
• Hike southwest up a steep, clear-cut meadow almost to the top

• The summit is on a forested rock outcrop just above a clear-cut open area; the views are awesome:

A jar with a summit register is available on the summit:

Additional Details:

The off-trail ascent from the closed logging road to the peak is only about 1/2 mile, with a vertical gain of 500 feet. While not a drive-up summit, Topaz is one of the more accessible peaks in the area, especially if you have a 4WD vehicle and the road’s open.

Topaz Mountain is a near-perfect HF site. Far from development, the noise level is very low. The prominent summit falls away quickly in all directions. No nearby mountains block HF skip signals. The activation zone is large, with sunny, sheltered spots just south of the craggy peak.

My log shows 37 CW contacts on 7-10-14 MHz. EA2IF Guru contacted me from Spain on 14 Mhz.

This summit should be useful for VHF/UHF communication as well. It’s high enough to see across much of South Park to the Divide and the Collegiate Peaks. There’s even a glimpse of the Eastern Plains:

 

The peak sits on the long, high ridge-top of the Tarryall Mountains. The open views from the craggy summit are spectacular. North Tarryall Peak W0C/FR-029 stands with its high cliffs 2 miles to the northwest.

Most of South Park spreads out far below. Other mountain ranges look like high waves in the distance.

Topaz Mountain can be combined with another nearby SOTA peak for a dual activation. My dual activation with W0C/SP-075 11060 worked well.

W0C/SP-075 11060
W0C/SP-068 11423
W0C/FR-029 North Tarryall Peak
etc.

Be aware of possible hunters in the fall – wear bright orange.

73

George
KX0R

---

!! 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!