This hike is the highest we’ve hiked this year. Our turnaround point was 11,945′ at Sharkstooth Pass in Mancos, Co. Phew!
Just getting to this hike is an adventure. On a ride last week I mountain biked up to the trailhead on a different trail, this time we drove up. It’s a pretty good gravel road for most of the way, but the last few miles is slow going and very rocky. We’re in our truck so clearance wasn’t an issue, but it would be for most normal cars. You aren’t getting a Honda Civic up here! I actually hate rough roads so we parked about a mile from the TH and walked the rest of the way which was a good warm-up.
Our entire hike was 5.6 miles and pretty as anything you’ll ever hike. Sharkstooth Pass is the saddle between Sharkstooth Peak and Centennial Peak, right next to the mighty Hesperus Mountain. There was a lot of shade from all the fir trees and a nice cool breeze blowing off the peaks thankfully, because it was hot out. The trail crosses a couple streams and there is a sweet little waterfall you can dunk in if necessary.
Most of the elevation is gained via a series of switchbacks that will have you breathing heavy. Once you get past the tree-line the views really open up and you can see the whole world. The elevation gain isn’t over, but the traverses are longer and the views are top-notch.
I DEFINITELY recommend this hike if you can handle the altitude and drive.
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