Fletcher Mountain Route Guide | A Fun Class 2 Climb
- Alex Derr
- August 22, 2020
- 5:22 pm
Fletcher Mountain is one of Colorado’s Centennial Peaks (the tallest 100 summits in the state). It’s one of the shortest climbs, with only 2,250 feet of elevation gain over 4.25 miles. The route holds snow late into summer, so bring an ice axe and microspikes just in case, and try it in August if you’re not a fan of snow and ice. Start planning your trip with my Fletcher Mountain Route Guide below. Safe travels on the trail!
New to 13ers? Check Out my Beginners Guide Here to Get Started!
Fletcher Mountain Route Guide Fast Facts
- Standard Route: Southeast Ridge
- Trailhead: Blue Lakes
- Elevation Gain: 2,250 feet
- Round-Trip Distance: 4.25 Miles
- Difficulty Level: Class 2+ Scramble
- Range: Tenmile Range
Fletcher Mountain Route Guide - Southeast Ridge
My Fletcher Mountain Route Guide begins at the Blue Lakes Trailhead.Head out from the parking lot along the shore of Blue Lake. Your aim is to follow a cairned trail up to a path higher up on the slope. This will bring you up into the upper gulch to the West of Quandary Peak. The trail is eroding significantly in areas. Stick to the main path to reduce your impact where possible.
Follow the trail to the bottom of the gully ahead of you. The clear trail ends around the bottom of this chute. When clear of snow it’s not a difficult scramble up the gully. However in summer you may run into hard, consolidated snow and ice difficult to ascend.
Once above the gully, rock hop your way across the next basin path a small lake. It’s a great spot for a break on your descent with wonderful solitude. Head for a ramp along the headwall in front of you and take a series of ledges up and out of the upper basin. There may also be snow here late into the summer.
Once out of the basin, cross a flatter area and start to scramble up the southeast ridge of Fletcher Mountain. The last few hundred feet of the climb are steep and loose, so take your time. Follow cairns to stay on the loosely defined trail up the ridge, and stay on this side of it – there are steep drop off’s to the east.
Once on the summit, enjoy your accomplishment. You’ll be able to see Quandary’s Class 3 West Ridge, along with Drift Peak to your south and Atlantic Peak to the north. Descend with plenty of time to ensure you get back to your car before afternoon thunderstorms become an issue. I hope you found my Fletcher Mountain Route Guide helpful!
My Fletcher Mountain route guide includes this topographical map of the route. I recommend downloading a digital copy on your phone and printing out a paper backup copy in case anything happens to your elecronics.
Hiking & climbing 13ers or 14ers is an inherently high-risk activity – do so at your own risk, and use the following best practices to help keep yourself safe.
- Research your route and bring a compass & topographic map.
- Check the weather forecast and stay home during inclement weather.
- Bring the Ten Essentials and the knowledge/skill to use them.
- Leave your plans with someone back home along with a detailed itinerary.
- Start early, and end early: Be back at tree line by noon to avoid lightning.
- Bring a buddy on your first ascent, preferably someone experienced.
NEW TO 13ERS? CHECK OUT MY BEGINNERS GUIDE FOR A SAFE FIRST SUMMIT!
Hiking, scrambling and climbing up Colorado’s high peaks are inherently high-risk, dangerous activities. There is a significant risk of injury or death, even with proper planning and experience. Those using my Fletcher Mountain route guide accept all risks associated with climbing 14ers and do not hold this website or any information they obtain from it liable for any accidents or injuries that occur while engaging in these activities on Colorado’s high peaks. It is each hiker or climber’s responsibility to research their route carefully, bring the ten essentials, and practice other safe practices, though even these precautions do not eliminate risk and danger. Visit these summits at your own risk.
Alex is an Eagle Scout, climber, and environmental policy expert located in Denver, Colorado. He created The Next Summit to help others stay safe exploring the mountains and advocate to preserve the peaks for the future. Follow him on Linkedin or Twitter or click here to contact him.
