Unnamed 12,671

Point 12,671’ between Citadel and Mount Bethel is a lower elevation peak among the spectacular mountains lining Herman Gulch and Dry Gulch near Interstate 70. Most ski mountaineers are attracted to Citadel, Hagar, or Pettingell in this area. Unanmed 12,671’ is often combined with these peaks for a run after the main event. The North Face of 12,671’ combines well with Pettingell, Point 13,418’, and the north side of Citadel. The South Bowl of 12,671’ can be easily combined with Golden Bear, Hagar, and Citadel. The saddle between 12,671’ and Citadel is often used as an escape back to Dry Gulch from Herman Gulch.

+ ROUTES

1 – North Face

Rating: II D8
Season: Spring
Exposure: North
Vertical: 900’
Approach Elevations: 10,300’ – 12,671’
Approach Distance: From Herman Gulch TH: 3.5 miles
Top of Route Waypoint: 39.7134, -105.8985

The North Face of 12,671’ is a wide expanse of short chutes leading into open bowl skiing, There are numerous options here, and there is a good view of the face on the slope across the valley leading to Herman Lake. The North Face of 12,671’ is a good ski mountaineering combination with Pettingell Peak or The Citadel.

From the Herman Gulch Trailhead find the start of the trail on the north side of the parking lot. Follow the trail east for a few minutes to a fork where the Watrous Gulch Trail continues east and Herman Gulch goes west. Take the Herman Gulch trail. The trail reaches a flat terrain at 10,750’. If there is enough snow for skinning you can deviate from the trail and follow the line of the creek up the wide and flat valley just about three miles to 11,700’. At this point you are directly below the North Face of Point 12,671’, Herman Lake is to the north. [39.7193, -105.8939]

2 – South Bowl

Rating: II D5
Season: Spring
Exposure: Southeast
Vertical: 1,600’
Approach Elevations: 10,700’ – 12,671’
Approach Distance: From Dry Gulch TH: 2.6 miles
Top of Route Waypoint: 39.7143, -105.8936

The South Bowl of Point 12,671’ is one of many fine faces surrounding Dry Gulch. Similar to the North Face, the South Bowl is often combined with other adventures in the valley. The Bowl itself is a moderate climb and descent, and the southeast aspect will heat up quickly on a sunny spring day.

Depart the Dry Gulch trailhead northeast on the frontage road next to the westbound lanes of Interstate 70. Follow this approximately 0.6 miles to a gate. Go around the gate and the road begins climbing north and then northwest into Dry Gulch. You may be able to drive to the gate if the road is clear. From the gate ski approximately 1.1 miles past the fenced in yard, past the clearing, and to the point where the creek exits the South Bowl. [39.7193, -105.8939 ] When you look north from here you can see into the basin below the saddle between 12,671’ and Mount Bethel. Climb into this basin as it holds the South Bowl. It is approximately 2.5 miles from the trailhead at the exit to the top of the bowl.

+ TRAILHEAD

Dry Gulch Trailhead (10,700’)

The Dry Gulch Trailhead is located at Exit 216 on Interstate 70. This exit is the same exit for Loveland Pass, the Loveland Ski Area, and the last exit before the Eisenhower-Johnson Tunnels. If you are exiting the interstate from the east the trailhead is immediately on your right. If you are coming from the west, exit the interstate, and take a left on to Highway 6 and then an immediate left under the interstate. Look for the pull out described above on the left. [39.6859, -105.8863]

Herman Gulch Trailhead (10,300’)

Herman Gulch Trailhead is located on exit 218 on Interstate 70. This is west of Bakersville and east of Loveland Pass. There is a massive parking lot on the north side of the exit with an information kiosk and outhouses. The Herman Gulch trail starts near the outhouses. [39.7024, -105.8545]

+ MAPS & PICTURES

Below we have included a link to a Google interactive map and a curated list of photos of the mountain.