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Ascent of Gold Hill on 2009-06-18

Climber: Richard Oestreicher

Date:

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Ascent Type:

Unsuccessful - Turned Back

Peak:

Gold Hill

Location:

USA-New Mexico

Elevation:

11700 ft / 3566 m

Ascent Trip Report

I took the longer but less crowded route (compared to the route up from Taos Ski Valley) towards Gold Hill starting from the Columbine Campground on SR 38 between Questa and Red River. The campground is a fee area but there's free parking for hikers at the trail head at the back of the campground. The first part of the trail of gets heavy use, but in 1.8 mi. you hit the intersection to the Deer Creek Trail, and you're unlikely to see many other folks after you make this turn. The trail crisscrosses the stream for a half mile or so, and then starts the steady climb up the a trail carved into the hillside with many switchbacks. As you ascend there are continuous beautiful views of Columbine Canyon and the surrounding peaks even though you are well below tree line for most of the way.

Summary Total Data

Elevation Gain:

3800 ft / 1159 m

Distance:

12 mi / 19.3 km

Route Conditions:

Maintained Trail, Stream Ford

Ascent Statistics

Elevation Gain:

3800 ft / 1159 m

Distance:

6 mi / 9.7 km

Route:

Deer Creek Trail

Trailhead:

Columbine Canyon Campground 7900 ft / 2407 m

Descent Statistics

Distance:

6 mi / 9.7 km

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