Ruby Peak, Mount Owen, Scarp Ridge Loop in Grand Mesa-Uncompahgre-Gunnison National Forest, CO

Hike Ruby Peak, Mount Owen, Scarp Ridge Loop Grand Mesa-Uncompahgre-Gunnison National Forest, CO

Class 3 8.9 miles 4200 gain 5-7 hrs Loop Sep 17, 2021
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Ruby Peak, Mount Owen, Scarp Ridge Loop GPX Track

I need to offset my substantial website costs somehow! You can download a hike/drive GPX to assist you here. Before sharing my GPX tracks with others, please remember my site is otherwise a free resource.

Mount Owen is a lone Colorado 13er near Crested Butte surrounded by a sea of 12ers. I accessed the peak from a trailhead on the west side of Mount Owen, accessible by any vehicle. Reaching the summit used to be a very straightforward and popular process, since a trail led to Green Lake (located at the peak's southern base) and then an old road continued to the ridgeline from there. However, a few years ago the owner of the property around Lake Irwin closed off the road/trail access to Green Lake because of irresponsible hikers or whatever. The private property extends from north of Lake Owen to just south of Green Lake. This means getting more creative in getting to Mount Owen. Some sources recommend hiking the Scarp Ridge Trail (my descent, for reference), going west along the ridge to the base of Purple Peak, then taking a lesser-used trail south to reach Green Lake before ascending to the ridge. I found that option to be lengthy and probably a little silly, but it certainly steers clear of all private property.

Instead I checked maps outlining private property in the area and located a thin tunnel that passed between the perimeters of adjacent private property boundaries. The track you can see on my attatched map leading west from the road indicates this route. After a short hike from the trailhead along a dirt road, I headed into the hopefully public land surrounding the private property, my desination being a gully on the south side of Ruby Peak. The route includes some super minor bushwhacking and following animal trails to get through the forest and meadows, and buildings houses situated on the private property are visible during the hike, so that could be a little unnerving to some. But as long as the maps are accurate, I was able to stick to public land as I made my way up to the south ridge of Ruby Peak. Overall it's a pleasant hike until I got to the ascent gully I'd use to access the ridge, but this section is quite steep (Class 2 on loose dirt) just before reaching the ridge. Easy Class 2 and otherwise pleasant ridge walking led north to Ruby Peak, where I could see the colorful Green Lake below. I continued down the steep descent on a social trail to the saddle with Mount Owen, and an equally steep ascent began up a social trail through the talus at the peak's base. The grade eased up a bit, and a surprisingly nice trail continued to the summit. Along the way I encountered some light Class 2, but the trail sticks pretty close to the ridge crest for the most part, only dropping slightly to either side to avoid more jagged features.

I understood from the summit of Mount Owen why many choose to not make the traverse to Purple Peak and preferred to wrap around its base to get to Mount Owen, but I was committed to my loop and was looking forward to a bit of scrambling. The next section was slower-moving and steep with a couple of short Class 2+ moves, all of which were on a well-beaten social trail. The ascent to Purple Peak was much of the same, mostly straightforward Class 2 scrambling. Purple Peak has excellent views, especially down toward Blue Lake to the northeast and Scarp Ridge still to come.

The descent from Purple Peak was the crux of the hike for sure, starting off on loose Class 2 and the possibility for Class 3 easily encountered. There are a few social trails leading along the ridge or just left of it, and you'll likely kick off a rock or two because of the crap quality. Most of the way down, I down-climbed a more solid section of light Class 3. It felt exposed, but wasn't difficult. The final bit of descending included scrambling along a narrow ridge and dropping into a notch which marked the saddle of Purple Peak and Afley Peak to the north. I could see the potential to add Afley Peak to this loop, but it was a 12er I decided looked too unpleasant to add, plus I had almost no excitement for it. Instead, from the notch, I made a hairpin turn and continued south along the base of the aforementioned narrow ridge. It might be tempting to descend a sketchy-looking gully at first since erosion makes this look like a viable route, but don't. There's a decent social trail leading first across and then descending on somewhat loose Class 2. Then I was in a big talus field on the northeast face of Purple Peak and all the sketchy stuff was done for the day.

The social trail continued through the talus field, but faded away after a while, which was fine. It was clear where to go as I ascended to the ridge stretching to the west of Scarp Ridge, where I picked up another social trail. This next section of the hike I thought was the most beautiful part of the day. The cliffs on the left were delightfully exposed, but the social trail stayed clear, keeping the hike Class 1. Blue Lake to the north came into view and it was yet another gem to look at. There were a couple of dips in the ridgeline, but they just added to the views and landscape and weren't too much of an annoyance. I made the final ascent to Scarp Ridge, a popular summit since it has a great trail to reach it.

I descended the standard Scarp Ridge Trail down to Lake Irwin Lodge, and continued past it on the dirt road where a bunch of hiker cars were parked. I kept hiking and could have taken the road back to my car, but instead opted to follow a nice trail that wrapped around the north side of Lake Irwin. The trail passed some marshes and a small waterfall and was overall worthwhile.

I'll note that this hike would likely work out better if you do it in reverse for a few reasons. Going this way means you ascend via the really nice trail to Scarp Ridge, get to up-climb the short Class 3 stuff, and then descend through the forest that hugs private property. Either way you go it's a great hike. I reported the photos below the way I went (clockwise), even though I'd say it might be better to go counter-clockwise.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Mount Owen
13058 ft
1338 rise
2
Purple Peak
12800 ft
120 rise
3
Scarp Ridge
12212 ft
352 rise

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I'm not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!

After leaving my car at Lake Irwin, I hiked along the dirt road. Mount Owen visible popping up in the center.
After leaving my car at Lake Irwin, I hiked along the dirt road. Mount Owen visible popping up in the center.
Shortly before leaving the dirt road, view toward Mount Owen. Ruby Peak is on the left, and the gully I'd use to access it is out of frame far left. The land in the foreground is mostly private property, so be sure not to trespass accidentally. Maps read that there is a narrow corridor of public land.
Shortly before leaving the dirt road, view toward Mount Owen. Ruby Peak is on the left, and the gully I'd use to access it is out of frame far left. The land in the foreground is mostly private property, so be sure not to trespass accidentally. Maps read that there is a narrow corridor of public land.
Easy bushwhack avoiding private property.
Easy bushwhack avoiding private property.
Approaching the gully, left.
Approaching the gully, left.
Gully center.
Gully center.
Gully, the last bit is steep (probably Class 2).
Gully, the last bit is steep (probably Class 2).
View back down after the steep slope. Lake Irwin visible right of center. I ascended sort of from the trees on the right.
View back down after the steep slope. Lake Irwin visible right of center. I ascended sort of from the trees on the right.
Ascending the easy Class 2 ridge to Ruby Peak.
Ascending the easy Class 2 ridge to Ruby Peak.
Ruby Peak ahead.
Ruby Peak ahead.
View back along the ridge. The gully I came up visible left. Anthracite Range and the Beckwith peaks visible in the distance.
View back along the ridge. The gully I came up visible left. Anthracite Range and the Beckwith peaks visible in the distance.
Easy walk to Ruby Peak higher up on the ridge, with some short easy Class 2 sections.
Easy walk to Ruby Peak higher up on the ridge, with some short easy Class 2 sections.
View back down. Lake Irwin visible on the left.
View back down. Lake Irwin visible on the left.
Another shot back along the ridge. Great views.
Another shot back along the ridge. Great views.
Close-up toward Lake Irwin. You can see the buildings on private property on the left and right in this photo. The public land corridor I saw on maps heads between them.
Close-up toward Lake Irwin. You can see the buildings on private property on the left and right in this photo. The public land corridor I saw on maps heads between them.
Ruby Peak summit, view toward Mount Owen. Green Lake below.
Ruby Peak summit, view toward Mount Owen. Green Lake below.
Close-up to Green Lake and Scarp Ridge. To avoid the whole private land fiasco, you could have ascended to Scarp Ridge, traversed the ridge in the center, went along the base of Mount Owen, reached Green Lake, and then gotten to the ridge from there. Seems excessive.
Close-up to Green Lake and Scarp Ridge. To avoid the whole private land fiasco, you could have ascended to Scarp Ridge, traversed the ridge in the center, went along the base of Mount Owen, reached Green Lake, and then gotten to the ridge from there. Seems excessive.
Close-up at the route to Mount Owen.
Close-up at the route to Mount Owen.
Steep ascent up from the base of Mount Owen.
Steep ascent up from the base of Mount Owen.
View back toward Ruby Peak.
View back toward Ruby Peak.
Social trail leading up Mount Owen.
Social trail leading up Mount Owen.
Light Class 2.
Light Class 2.
View back toward Green Lake, Lake Irwin, and Ruby Peak.
View back toward Green Lake, Lake Irwin, and Ruby Peak.
Light Class 2. Mount Owen up there somewhere.
Light Class 2. Mount Owen up there somewhere.
Social trail to the summit.
Social trail to the summit.
Close-up of Marcellina Mountain.
Close-up of Marcellina Mountain.
Mount Owen summit, view toward Purple Peak (center) and Scarp Ridge (right).
Mount Owen summit, view toward Purple Peak (center) and Scarp Ridge (right).
Close-up toward Purple Peak (right), and Afley Peak (left). I continued along the ridge to Purple Peak.
Close-up toward Purple Peak (right), and Afley Peak (left). I continued along the ridge to Purple Peak.
Class 2/2+ down from Mount Owen.
Class 2/2+ down from Mount Owen.
View back toward Mount Owen.
View back toward Mount Owen.
Starting up Purple Peak, view back again. The terrain up to Purple Peak was easier than coming down from Owen.
Starting up Purple Peak, view back again. The terrain up to Purple Peak was easier than coming down from Owen.
Purple Peak summit, view toward Blue Lake (left) and Scarp Ridge (center).
Purple Peak summit, view toward Blue Lake (left) and Scarp Ridge (center).
Now for the crux, getting down from Purple Peak.
Now for the crux, getting down from Purple Peak.
View back up at the first section of loose Class 2.
View back up at the first section of loose Class 2.
Approaching the Class 3 crux.
Approaching the Class 3 crux.
Class 3 crux.
Class 3 crux.
View back up at Purple Peak from below the Class 3 crux.
View back up at Purple Peak from below the Class 3 crux.
View toward Blue Lake and Scarp Ridge. Important to note is the social trail at the base of this photo. I'll be on that shortly after reaching the notch at the saddle separating Purple and Afley. Once on the social trail, route-finding is a no-brainer along the ridge to Scarp Ridge.
View toward Blue Lake and Scarp Ridge. Important to note is the social trail at the base of this photo. I'll be on that shortly after reaching the notch at the saddle separating Purple and Afley. Once on the social trail, route-finding is a no-brainer along the ridge to Scarp Ridge.
Wide shot of the whole route down from Purple Peak, just before the final Class 2+ move to get into the notch.
Wide shot of the whole route down from Purple Peak, just before the final Class 2+ move to get into the notch.
From the notch, don't go down the gully on the left even though it might be tempting. Note the faint social trail on the right in this photo that leads along the base of Purple Peak's north ridge.
From the notch, don't go down the gully on the left even though it might be tempting. Note the faint social trail on the right in this photo that leads along the base of Purple Peak's north ridge.
Along the social trail.
Along the social trail.
View back along the talus as the social trail faded away. Afley Peak (didn't hike it) visible on the right.
View back along the talus as the social trail faded away. Afley Peak (didn't hike it) visible on the right.
View back again after clearing the talus and ascending on tundra to the ridge.
View back again after clearing the talus and ascending on tundra to the ridge.
Along the ridge, Scarp Ridge visible ahead. Time for the prettiest stuff of the day.
Along the ridge, Scarp Ridge visible ahead. Time for the prettiest stuff of the day.
View back, Blue Lake visible below. Purple Peak top left.
View back, Blue Lake visible below. Purple Peak top left.
Along the ridge, colorful and sheer cliffs creating great viewpoints.
Along the ridge, colorful and sheer cliffs creating great viewpoints.
Another shot back, now with Mount Owen in the frame on the left.
Another shot back, now with Mount Owen in the frame on the left.
Continuing along the ridge.
Continuing along the ridge.
Another shot back of Purple (right), Owen (center), and Ruby (left).
Another shot back of Purple (right), Owen (center), and Ruby (left).
A minor descent along the ridge.
A minor descent along the ridge.
View back toward Owen, Purple, Afley.
View back toward Owen, Purple, Afley.
Image 50 from gallery
Final push to Scarp Ridge.
Final push to Scarp Ridge.
Wide shot back.
Wide shot back.
Higher up, shot toward Owen, Purple, Afley. I loved this ridge, so there's a lot of photos. Oops.
Higher up, shot toward Owen, Purple, Afley. I loved this ridge, so there's a lot of photos. Oops.
Scarp Ridge summit, view north.
Scarp Ridge summit, view north.
Scarp Ridge summit, view east. Crested Butte is visible left of center.
Scarp Ridge summit, view east. Crested Butte is visible left of center.
Headed down the pleasant Scarp Ridge Trail.
Headed down the pleasant Scarp Ridge Trail.
You can see the trail splits ahead. Left leads more gradually down. I chose to keep right for the slightly steeper and shorter option.
You can see the trail splits ahead. Left leads more gradually down. I chose to keep right for the slightly steeper and shorter option.
View back as I descend the Scarp Ridge Trail.
View back as I descend the Scarp Ridge Trail.
Lake Irwin below.
Lake Irwin below.
View toward Ruby Peak, Mount Owen, and Purple Peak.
View toward Ruby Peak, Mount Owen, and Purple Peak.
View back up the trail.
View back up the trail.
Getting closer to Lake Irwin.
Getting closer to Lake Irwin.
After a short walk on a dirt road that passes the Lake Irwin Lodge, I left the road and used this nice trail to skirt the perimeter of Lake Irwin rather than just hike along the road.
After a short walk on a dirt road that passes the Lake Irwin Lodge, I left the road and used this nice trail to skirt the perimeter of Lake Irwin rather than just hike along the road.
Nice views along the perimeter of Lake Irwin. This trail brought me back to my car.
Nice views along the perimeter of Lake Irwin. This trail brought me back to my car.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!