Kendall Mountain, Mountaineer Peak, Mount Rhoda Loop in San Juan National Forest, CO

Hike Kendall Mountain, Mountaineer Peak, Mount Rhoda Loop San Juan National Forest, CO

Class 4 13.2 miles 6000 gain 7-10 hrs Loop Aug 10, 2021
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

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This really beautiful traverse just outside of Silverton, Colorado that leads from Kendall Benchmark over to unnamed 13er Peak 13109 creates almost a perfect loop, if not for a couple of hiccups. Although a great day out in the mountains, there are some contrived sections that might deter many people so I'll summarize them quickly and present alternatives. Reaching Kendall Peak from Kendall Mountain requiers dropping all the way down rather than sticking to the ridge because the traverse between the two is likely not doable. There is also a horrible gully required to reach Kendall Peak, which I marked on my attached map because it was an outlier for the day and might serve as a day-ender for some. However, this seems to be a pretty standard route for getting all these peaks in one go, so I didn't feel too upset about forming a somewhat weird link-up. Rather than do this loop, you could instead break it up into two sections. The first would include Kendall Benchmark and Kendall Mountain as a small loop. The second would come up from Highland Mary Lakes Trailhead and would make its way up toward Spencer Peak, over to Kendall Peak, then does the same traverse outlined here to Peak 13109 before using the trail system to get back. In hindsight I kind of wish I did it this way to avoid the horrible gully and make a less-contrived route, but I was excited to knock all these peaks out in one go, plus the descent had some gorgeous views. Overall it was a worthwhile and wonderful loop, but I just wish the gully was better.

That all said, I was able to drive my Crossover to the spot where I parked. I'd say anything with decent tires and clearance can make it to where I did since the road is rocky and at times a little steep, but 4WD isn't necessary. I parked where I did because it was located at the junction where I'd complete the loop. I started north first along the road and was immediately passed by a couple of ATVs, and I assume they were driving up to Kendall Benchmark, where I'd be hiking to. I could have followed the road the whole way in the dust of the ATVs, but that would have added lots of extra miles, so instead I left the road and ascended the steep and grassy slope for 1200 feet of vertical gain and rejoined the road above. Once at the base of Kendall Benchmark I located a social trail (Class 2) on the peak's east ridge, leading to the summit. The views down toward Silverton were nice and the Grenadiers and Twilights were a lovely sight from here. I dropped back along the east ridge to get back to the road and continued east to Kendall Mountain. The terrain began grassy and pleasant, but quickly turned steeper and more loose. The last few hundred feet along the ridge were Class 2 on somewhat loose scree, and I got a bit of vertigo when looking down at the drop on my left. This section is short-lived and a social trail leads most of the way up the scree and to the summit.

The view from Kendall Mountain's summit toward Kendall Peak tempted me to try the traverse, but I knew it wasn't a great idea and instead just dropped down the steep, grassy slope to the road below. I followed the old road east as it made its way to the base of Kendall Peak. I noted the massive notch separating Kendall Mountain and Kendall Peak and knew it was a good choice to not attempt it. It was a bummer to have to drop down so far only to regain the vertical, but that's peakbagging for you! I made it to the base of Kendall Peak, where an old mine has been covered up and next to it is an incredibly steep scree fest. I had no idea what to expect, but it wasn't this. I started up the eroded slope on Class 2, which soon became Class 3. After a hundred feet or so I was sure the gully was almost over, but it was just getting started. I couldn't believe how scary it was, even though a slip would likely result in just sliding for a couple of feet. It's just felt very exposed and loose. I'll call it Class 4, though others may disgree. There were no climbing moves, but it's a little scary and quite exhausting. Without this slope, the whole loop would have been just a Class 2 outing. There were no solid rocks to grab onto, so I found myself digging my hands and feet into the scree and hoping it didn't trigger a rockslide. The gully is steeper in some sections, and easier in others. There is more scree to use for digging my limbs into, and other spots where it was hardpan. After a grueling 500 feet of vertical gain and ample rests to compose myself, I made it to the top of the gully and onto the grassy ridgeline to the east of Kendall Peak. My adrenaline finally fading, I found myself drained. I finished up the easy hike to the summit of Kendall Peak.

The ridge leading from Kendall Peak down to its saddle with Spencer Peak was straightforward tundra with a short Class 2 section. At the base of Specer Peak, whose northwest ridge looks insane, I was happy to locate a social trail wrapping around the peak's north side and over to its east ridge. From afar this social trail looks simple and pleasant, but I got a little spooked while hiking along it. Heavily eroded, this social trail teeters above a very steep and aggressive slope on the left side. Despite being a social trail, it required some thought and slower movements to avoid slipping down, Class 2.

Once on the east ridge of Spencer Peak, the tough stuff for the day is over. If coming up from Highland Mary Lakes (and if you do please let me know; I'm curious how a route from there would go!), this is where you'd join the ridgeline. I started up steep tundra, and then easy Class 2 to reach Spencer Peak's summit, continuing on mostly tundra over Mountaineer Peak and then over to Mount Rhoda. Mount Rhoda has a serious-looking summit block protected by a cliff band, but the cliff band is easily avoided by wrapping around to Mount Rhoda's south side. The views toward the unique Grenadier Range in the distance, specifically of Arrow Peak and Vestal Peak from here were delightful.

The ridgeline continued to be pretty straightforward tundra walking, passing over Whitehead Peak and up to Peak 13109. The east ridge leading to Peak 13109 even had an animal trail most of the way up. Just before Peak 13109's summit, a short catwalk (Class 2) introduced a tiny bit of exposure, but it's short-lived and actually just a really cool feature.

I took in the views from Peak 13109 for a while before continuing down its southwest slope, my goal being to join the Whitehead Trail below. The grassy slope made for a quick descent to the trail. Th Whitehead Trail leads into the Higland Mary Lakes area to the east, but I took the trail west, wrapping around the extended west ridge of Peak 13109. The views continued to be amazing as the trail started descending to the north. I also got a glance at the full traverse I just finished. Eventually the trail ends at a Private Property sign, which reads that hiking is fine. A followed the forest road for a few miles back to my car.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Kendall Benchmark
13066 ft
266 rise
2
Kendall Mountain
13340 ft
300 rise
3
Kendall Peak
13451 ft
1131 rise
4
Spencer Peak
13420 ft
160 rise
5
Mountaineer Peak
13434 ft
514 rise
6
Mount Rhoda
13402 ft
282 rise
7
Whitehead Peak
13259 ft
99 rise
8
Peak 13109
13109 ft
309 rise

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View back down the road after leaving my car, which is in the trees on the left somewhere. Sultan Mountain visible in the distance.
View back down the road after leaving my car, which is in the trees on the left somewhere. Sultan Mountain visible in the distance.
Shortly after the previous photo, I left the road, heading up this grassy slope.
Shortly after the previous photo, I left the road, heading up this grassy slope.
View back down the grassy slope as I ascend to Kendall Benchmark.
View back down the grassy slope as I ascend to Kendall Benchmark.
Steep tundra ascent.
Steep tundra ascent.
The route leads to this grassy bowl, just below Kendall Benchmark (left). I ascended to the dirt road above (sort of visible in the center of this photo). Plenty of people drive up here.
The route leads to this grassy bowl, just below Kendall Benchmark (left). I ascended to the dirt road above (sort of visible in the center of this photo). Plenty of people drive up here.
I ascended from the grassy bowl in the center, crossed over this dirt road, and took the east ridge of Kendall Benchmark.
I ascended from the grassy bowl in the center, crossed over this dirt road, and took the east ridge of Kendall Benchmark.
Class 2 up Kendall Benchmark's east ridge.
Class 2 up Kendall Benchmark's east ridge.
Kendall Benchmark summit, view west.
Kendall Benchmark summit, view west.
Wide shot southwest toward Twilights (center) and Sultan Mountain (right).
Wide shot southwest toward Twilights (center) and Sultan Mountain (right).
Kendall Benchmark summit, view southwest toward Snowdon Peak, The Twilights, and Molas Lake.
Kendall Benchmark summit, view southwest toward Snowdon Peak, The Twilights, and Molas Lake.
Kendall Benchmark, view east toward Kendall Mountain (left), my next peak. After Kendall Mountain, I'll be descending its slopes on the right to reach the dirt road in the center of this photo, which will lead to Kendall Peak.
Kendall Benchmark, view east toward Kendall Mountain (left), my next peak. After Kendall Mountain, I'll be descending its slopes on the right to reach the dirt road in the center of this photo, which will lead to Kendall Peak.
View back toward Kendall Benchmark as I ascend Kendall Mountain's west ridge.
View back toward Kendall Benchmark as I ascend Kendall Mountain's west ridge.
Kendall Mountain ahead on the left. After the peak, I'll be dropping down to the road on the right.
Kendall Mountain ahead on the left. After the peak, I'll be dropping down to the road on the right.
View back at my progress up Kendall Mountain.
View back at my progress up Kendall Mountain.
Higher up, a social trail leads through the scree, but it's quite steep at a couple of points.
Higher up, a social trail leads through the scree, but it's quite steep at a couple of points.
Kendall Mountain ahead.
Kendall Mountain ahead.
Kendall Mountain, view north.
Kendall Mountain, view north.
Kendall Mountain, view toward Kendall Peak (left). I headed down the grassy slope on the right in order to reach the road below.
Kendall Mountain, view toward Kendall Peak (left). I headed down the grassy slope on the right in order to reach the road below.
After descending the slope, just before reaching the road.
After descending the slope, just before reaching the road.
View back along the road toward Kendall Benchmark and the road leading to its summit. I continued ascending the road on my way up to the crap gully.
View back along the road toward Kendall Benchmark and the road leading to its summit. I continued ascending the road on my way up to the crap gully.
And there it is, the crap gully. I followed the well-worn social trail past the old mine into the center of this photo.
And there it is, the crap gully. I followed the well-worn social trail past the old mine into the center of this photo.
View back toward the road I ascended. Also, you can see the scary-looking cliffs of Kendall Mountain's east ridge, the reason I dropped so far earlier rather than stick to the ridgeline.
View back toward the road I ascended. Also, you can see the scary-looking cliffs of Kendall Mountain's east ridge, the reason I dropped so far earlier rather than stick to the ridgeline.
Close-up at the start of the gully. It's very steep and has minimal solid things to grab onto.
Close-up at the start of the gully. It's very steep and has minimal solid things to grab onto.
Higher up the gully, view back down. Not fun.
Higher up the gully, view back down. Not fun.
On the ridgeline, headed up to Kendall Peak.
On the ridgeline, headed up to Kendall Peak.
Kendall Peak, view west toward Kendall Mountain.
Kendall Peak, view west toward Kendall Mountain.
Kendall Peak, view east toward the route to come. Spencer Peak on the left.
Kendall Peak, view east toward the route to come. Spencer Peak on the left.
Descending to the saddle of Kendall Peak and Spencer Peak. There is a social trail that wraps around the left side (north) of Spencer Peak. The ridge ahead is obviously pretty daunting, so I was happy to take the easier option.
Descending to the saddle of Kendall Peak and Spencer Peak. There is a social trail that wraps around the left side (north) of Spencer Peak. The ridge ahead is obviously pretty daunting, so I was happy to take the easier option.
From the saddle, I located a social trail.
From the saddle, I located a social trail.
However, the social trail was quite eroded at points, resulting in non-trivial hiking to avoid slipping down the loose, steep slope. View back toward Kendall Peak.
However, the social trail was quite eroded at points, resulting in non-trivial hiking to avoid slipping down the loose, steep slope. View back toward Kendall Peak.
On the north side of Spencer Peak, a steep tundra walk followed by easy Class 2 to reach the summit.
On the north side of Spencer Peak, a steep tundra walk followed by easy Class 2 to reach the summit.
Spencer Peak summit ahead on the right. Mountaineer Peak on the left.
Spencer Peak summit ahead on the right. Mountaineer Peak on the left.
Spencer Peak summit, view toward Kendall Peak.
Spencer Peak summit, view toward Kendall Peak.
Continuing along the beautiful tundra from Spencer Peak to Mountaineer Peak.
Continuing along the beautiful tundra from Spencer Peak to Mountaineer Peak.
Mountaineer Peak ahead.
Mountaineer Peak ahead.
Mountaineer Peak, view back toward Spencer Peak.
Mountaineer Peak, view back toward Spencer Peak.
Mountaineer Peak, view toward Mount Rhoda (left).
Mountaineer Peak, view toward Mount Rhoda (left).
Descending to the saddle before Mount Rhoda (left). You can also see the Grenadiers top center, Arrow and Vestal of note.
Descending to the saddle before Mount Rhoda (left). You can also see the Grenadiers top center, Arrow and Vestal of note.
Small cliff band at the summit of Mount Rhoda, avoidable by wrapping around to the right.
Small cliff band at the summit of Mount Rhoda, avoidable by wrapping around to the right.
Mount Rhoda, view back toward Mountaineer Peak.
Mount Rhoda, view back toward Mountaineer Peak.
Close-up into Highland Mary Lakes from the summit of Mount Rhoda.
Close-up into Highland Mary Lakes from the summit of Mount Rhoda.
Mount Rhoda summit, view toward Whitehead Peak (left) and Peak 13109 (right).
Mount Rhoda summit, view toward Whitehead Peak (left) and Peak 13109 (right).
Ascending to Whitehead Peak.
Ascending to Whitehead Peak.
Whitehead Peak, view back toward Mount Rhoda.
Whitehead Peak, view back toward Mount Rhoda.
Close-up toward Arrow Peak and Vestal Peak.
Close-up toward Arrow Peak and Vestal Peak.
Descending Whitehead Mountain, onward to Peak 13109, center.
Descending Whitehead Mountain, onward to Peak 13109, center.
The final ridgeline to Peak 13109.
The final ridgeline to Peak 13109.
Ascending Peak 13109, view back toward Mount Rhoda (left) and Whitehead Peak (right).
Ascending Peak 13109, view back toward Mount Rhoda (left) and Whitehead Peak (right).
A Class 2 wannabe-catwalk just before the summit of Peak 13109.
A Class 2 wannabe-catwalk just before the summit of Peak 13109.
Peak 13109, view back toward the ridgeline I just traversed.
Peak 13109, view back toward the ridgeline I just traversed.
Close-up toward Kendall Benchmark, the bump in the center and the start of my traverse earlier in the day. You can somewhat see the dirt road leading to its summit.
Close-up toward Kendall Benchmark, the bump in the center and the start of my traverse earlier in the day. You can somewhat see the dirt road leading to its summit.
Peak 13109, view toward the Grenadiers.
Peak 13109, view toward the Grenadiers.
Leaving Peak 13109, heading along its southwest slope. I headed toward the grassy slope on the left to get to the Whitehead Trail.
Leaving Peak 13109, heading along its southwest slope. I headed toward the grassy slope on the left to get to the Whitehead Trail.
Descending the pleasant grassy slope. The Whitehead Trail is below, visible in the the center of this photo.
Descending the pleasant grassy slope. The Whitehead Trail is below, visible in the the center of this photo.
On the Whitehead Trail, headed west.
On the Whitehead Trail, headed west.
View back toward Peak 13109 along the Whitehead Trail.
View back toward Peak 13109 along the Whitehead Trail.
Twilight group in the distance.
Twilight group in the distance.
Another shot back, Peak 13109 top left.
Another shot back, Peak 13109 top left.
The Whitehead Trail is really gorgeous. It wraps around the west ridge of Peak 13109.
The Whitehead Trail is really gorgeous. It wraps around the west ridge of Peak 13109.
Heading north now along the Whitehead Trail. Kendall Benchmark visible center.
Heading north now along the Whitehead Trail. Kendall Benchmark visible center.
Descending along the Whitehead Trail.
Descending along the Whitehead Trail.
The Whitehead Trail heads through forest for a bit.
The Whitehead Trail heads through forest for a bit.
End of the Whitehead Trail. I took the dirt roads back to my car.
End of the Whitehead Trail. I took the dirt roads back to my car.
View of the end of the Whitehead Trail at a Private Property sign and an old mine.
View of the end of the Whitehead Trail at a Private Property sign and an old mine.
Hiking along the dirt road back to my car.
Hiking along the dirt road back to my car.
View back up the dirt road.
View back up the dirt road.

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