Route Info Alan Lake - NW Approach
Route Description
Year Climbed: 2000
Either walk or drive to the wilderness boundary and then continue on the old roadbed another mile to near where the small creek that drains Alan Lake intersects the road. Before that creek, begin an ascent up the steep but mostly open and grassy slope toward Alan Lake. 1,400 feet of ascending which will take most an hour to accomplish will bring you to the pleasant little lake nestled in this alpine bowl.
From the lake, head SW on still tundra slopes that gradually give way to more scree over the next 800 feet of gain. Aim for a section of ridge that swings north from the summit. As you approach this ridge, you may encounter one little area of more difficult & looser footing. Once on the ridge, turn south and follow it as it turns SW to the summit. The final stretch will be over larger, broken rock which may slow younger children.
For the descent, return by the same route. While on the summit, you may want to scout out other 13ers in the area and also admire La Plata Peak looming to the north, dominating the landscape.