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Elevation: | 13,294 ft |
GPS: |
39.7153, -105.9114 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
Page Views: | 11,308 total · 83/month |
Shared By: | Nathaniel K on Jan 5, 2013 |
Admins: | Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC |
Description
The Citadel is a ranked 13'er located on the Continental Divide, north of the Eisenhower Tunnel. The peak has twin summits and is not officially named. The Citadel is close to to I-70, and typically accessed via the Herman Gulch trailhead, so the first bit of the approach can be somewhat crowded on the trail. However, once you reach the end of the trail and bushwhack towards the base of the mountain, the traffic diasappears and you have a lot of solitude.
Obtaining the summit will entail 3rd and 4th class climbing at the easiest. The elevation difference between the two summits is negligible. Most who summit the Citadel bag both peaks, and it's common to make the traverse to Pettingel for a challenging ridge scramble. While the standard route to the summits is class 3, the Citadel also offers the potential for technical, as well as snow climbing routes. Avalanche potential on the approach is high in the winter.
Obtaining the summit will entail 3rd and 4th class climbing at the easiest. The elevation difference between the two summits is negligible. Most who summit the Citadel bag both peaks, and it's common to make the traverse to Pettingel for a challenging ridge scramble. While the standard route to the summits is class 3, the Citadel also offers the potential for technical, as well as snow climbing routes. Avalanche potential on the approach is high in the winter.
Getting There
Herman Gulch is the most common approach. The trailhead is at the parking area just off of exit 218 on I-70. The Herman Gulch Trail takes you up the valley to the upper reaches of the gulch and timberline, before you navigate off trail towards the Citadel. This is not a designated wilderness area and is quite popular among more casual hikers.
A second approach is from Dry Gulch which is located to the south of the Citadel. Accessed further to the west along I-70 and is less travelled than Herman Gulch.
A second approach is from Dry Gulch which is located to the south of the Citadel. Accessed further to the west along I-70 and is less travelled than Herman Gulch.
Classic Climbing Routes at The Citadel
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
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Photos
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