Whale Peak via Gibson Lake in Pike National Forest, CO

Hike Whale Peak via Gibson Lake Pike National Forest, CO

Class 2 6.6 miles 2900 gain 3-5 hrs Out + Back Aug 12, 2020
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Whale Peak via Gibson Lake GPX Track

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Google won't navigate you to the trailhead coordinates I have listed as the trailhead. Instead, navigate to this turn-off: 39.4567473, -105.7214929 and follow the good dirt road. We were able to make it all the way in a mid-clearance vehicle, but I recommend having decent tires for the last couple of miles. From the Gibson Lake Trailhead, the trail leads through the woods, follows a road-converted-trail for a while, then continues out of treeline into pretty meadows/tundra. Once at Gibson Lake, what research led me to believe was the standard route seems to head right (northwest) from the lake and up the steep slope, continuing up to the north side of Whale Peak. We headed this way on the ascent. It's Class 2 with loose rocks in short parts, and quite steep in sections up the grassy slope, so much so that we needed at least a hand to stabilize ourselves, even on the grass.

From the summit of Whale Peak, we decided to attempt a route down the southern ridge, continuing down to the east side of Gibson Lake. This route was much better. The ridge was more mellow, with only a small section of Class 2, and otherwise a pleasant descent. There was even a social trail of sorts along the ridge. I recommend coming this way instead for both the ascent and descent.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Whale Peak
13078 ft
982 rise

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Starting from the Gibson Lake Trailhead.
Starting from the Gibson Lake Trailhead.
Image 1 from gallery
The trail turns into an old road for a while.
The trail turns into an old road for a while.
Image 3 from gallery
After some forest walking, the trail emerges from the trees.
After some forest walking, the trail emerges from the trees.
Image 5 from gallery
Looking back the way we came.
Looking back the way we came.
Whale Peak visible top left.
Whale Peak visible top left.
Looking back.
Looking back.
Approaching Gibson Lake, Whale Peak visible top.
Approaching Gibson Lake, Whale Peak visible top.
Gibson Lake. Our descent route (what I actually recommend for both descent and ascent) is visible center. We came down from the ridge, traversed the grassy slopes, and ended up where I am standing while taking this photo by coming around on the left side of the lake.
Gibson Lake. Our descent route (what I actually recommend for both descent and ascent) is visible center. We came down from the ridge, traversed the grassy slopes, and ended up where I am standing while taking this photo by coming around on the left side of the lake.
But, we instead ascended on the right side of Gibson Lake (less recommended). The grassy slope on the right leads steeply to the summit.
But, we instead ascended on the right side of Gibson Lake (less recommended). The grassy slope on the right leads steeply to the summit.
Looking back toward Gibson Lake as we ascend.
Looking back toward Gibson Lake as we ascend.
Whale Peak top left.
Whale Peak top left.
Image 14 from gallery
Just a steep, grassy slope.
Just a steep, grassy slope.
Image 16 from gallery
Whale Peak ahead.
Whale Peak ahead.
The grassy slope becomes quite steep toward the top. Gibson Lake visible below, center.
The grassy slope becomes quite steep toward the top. Gibson Lake visible below, center.
Some steep Class 2.
Some steep Class 2.
Approaching the ridgeline to Whale Peak.
Approaching the ridgeline to Whale Peak.
Whale Peak summit, view north.
Whale Peak summit, view north.
Whale Peak, view down toward Gibson Lake. Our descent ridge (again, what I also recommend using as an ascent instead of what we did) is visible on the right. You can trace the descent route down to the lake from here.
Whale Peak, view down toward Gibson Lake. Our descent ridge (again, what I also recommend using as an ascent instead of what we did) is visible on the right. You can trace the descent route down to the lake from here.
View west from Whale Peak's summit.
View west from Whale Peak's summit.
Heading down the south ridge off Whale Peak.
Heading down the south ridge off Whale Peak.
Some Class 2 on the ridgeline.
Some Class 2 on the ridgeline.
Descending from the ridge on a grassy slope.
Descending from the ridge on a grassy slope.
Looking back up toward the ridge and Whale Peak.
Looking back up toward the ridge and Whale Peak.
Gibson Lake below.
Gibson Lake below.
Continuing down the slope to get back to Gibson Lake.
Continuing down the slope to get back to Gibson Lake.

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!