Filed Under: Hiking, Running
Gerry Roach, renowned mountaineer and prolific author, calls Green Mountain his favorite peak!
Ascent: From Chautauqua Park pick up the Baseline trail near the low point of the Kinnikinnick Road. Travel west on the Baseline trail, staying low (just above Baseline Road) to a junction with the Amphitheater and Bluebell Trails. Turn left and follow the Amphitheater Trail as it climbs very steeply to the southwest.
The Amphitheater Trail will intersect the Saddle Rock trail after about 3/4 mile. Continue climbing on the Saddle Rock Trail until the trail levels off and descends slightly to another junction with the Greenman Trail. On Green Mountain, when in doubt, go up! Turn left at this junction and continue climbing on the Greenman Trail. Don't lose heart here, as the trail switchbacks relentlessly to Green Mountain's 8,144' summit.
Clambor onto the summit block and locate the summit plate. On a clear day you can sight some 20 other peaks. On a cloudy day, you may see the only blue sky for miles.
Descent: Continue south past the summit block and descend the Greenman Trail to a junction with the Ranger Trail (right turn), Green Bear (left turn), and Green Mountain West Ridge Trail (straigh ahead). Turn right, or north, and begin the steep descent down the Ranger Trail. Pass a junction with the Greenman trail and continue descending until you arrive at a shelter. Continue north on a wide gravel trail and turn onto the Gregory Canyon trail. Cross the creek and descend Gregory Canyon to the Gregory Canyon parking lot. Cross the lot to the east, over a brigde spanning the creek, and turn left, or east, and regain the Baseline trail. Jog back to Chautauqua to complete the loop.Chautauqua Park is located on the South side of Baseline Road, across from Fifth St. From Downtown Boulder head West to Broadway and travel south to Baseline, turn right and head West until you reach the park.
From Denver travel Hwy. 36 into Boulder and exit Baseline Road. Turn left and travel West, crossing Broadway, until you reach the park.
Posted by: kbieger and last modified on Feb 13, 2007 by sean
Comments
kbieger said ...
Alternate Ascent: Insted of ascending via Amphitheater trail, continue into Gregory Canyon, cross the parking lot and ascend via the Saddle Rock Trail. This is not as steep and joins the other route pretty quickly.
Alternate Descent: From the Ranger/Green Bear/ Green Mtn. West Ridge junction, turn left (south) down Green Bear. Descend into Bear Canyon and continue descending to the east. The Bear Canyon trail intersects the Mesa Trail. Turn left, north, and continue on the Mesa Trail back to Chautauqua. Reverse for an alternate ascent.
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