Conejos Peak (13,172) by Brian Schultz Thursday June 19, 2014

Roundtrip mileage: 6.5 miles from the Tobacco Lake trailhead

Elevation gain: ~ 2,000'

Start to finish: 4 hours 20 minutes

After wrapping up my climbs yesterday, it was an easy drive on Forest roads 380 and 250 to the town of Platoro. I stopped at Gold Pan Acres in town for a shower and a meal before continuing on FR 250 to FR 105. It took an hour to drive 8 miles from Platoro to the Tobacco Lake trailhead- the 4x4 side road to the trailhead was particularly slow driving. The parking lot is spacious though, and I had it to myself for the overnight.

It was extremely cold last night and my windshield was frosted over but the forecast today was a good one- clear, sunny skies and no winds. I started at 6:45 AM on the excellent trail and encountered lots of snow still covering it but not so bad that I couldn't follow it. I only traveled a couple hundred feet when my cellphone started vibrating like crazy. The phone let me know I was in strong cell coverage, in a 4G network no less, and I briefly scanned my emails and messages before powering off the phone and continuing on. I thought it was amazing to get coverage in such a remote area.

The trail crossed a stream before reaching Tobacco Lake and though lots of snowfields remained above Tobacco Lake, I could see plenty of dry areas to skirt them. The summit of Conejos can be seen from the lake and after rounding the lake I headed up the slopes and walked across some of the snowfields, never feeling the need of an ice axe or crampons. The trail resumed on the ridge leading to the summit and I stepped on top at 9:00, amused to see an animal skull by the register. I signed in and stayed on top for half an hour enjoying the views and the beautiful weather, and mulling whether to hike over to UN 12505. I should've headed over to 12505 immediately because after my break I didn't feel like making the effort.

The descent to Tobacco Lake went quickly and, other than taking a break to photograph a ptarmigan, I hiked out mostly nonstop to the trailhead. I arrived at the trailhead at 11:05 and on the drive back to Platoro, I contemplated hiking some lower elevation peaks in the area. Private property seemed to be an issue so I left town and drove FR 250 back over Stunner Pass. I stopped for some great views just below the pass before driving on to Monte Vista.

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