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Rosedale Peak: An excellent conditioning Colorado "11er"

Updated: 7 days ago


Rosedale Peak, Colorado

Located in Pike National Forest, Mount Rosedale may not be a peak that Coloradans could recognize at a glance. It's 11,826 ft summit is dwarfed by some of its taller neighbors, notably Mount Blue Sky. However, it's this relative anonymity that makes it a wonderful hike. And with some considerable distance and still some elevation to contend with, it's a perfect conditioning hike for something bigger.


 

Trail Info

Rosedale Peak

Know before you go

  • The road to the trailhead is a bit rough near the end. It's a dirt road with a few dips for the last mile or so, but should still be doable in a sedan. Just drive carefully.

  • The trail disappears near the summit. It basically becomes a large grassy ridge followed by a boulder field. There's nothing treacherous and it's easy to follow, but it requires visual navigation.


Other trails nearby

  • Rosalie Peak is a 13er nearby with similar views (but a lot more elevation)



 

The Trail

Rosedale Peak, Colorado

The trail begins just beyond the trailhead sign. Cross a small river on this bridge to begin the hike.


A lot of this trail is in the trees. We are starting ~9,000 feet and since treeline doesn't end until 11,500 or so, it takes some time to get those sweeping views. You will get a few glimpses of some mountains through the trees, but this one is 90% forested. (Good case to try this one in late September when the Aspens are changing).


There are a few navigation notes to watch out for along this trail. The first is this flat section of trail. It felt like there were a few possible junctions in this area. There really is only one trail (beyond this sign), but I recall hesitating shortly.

Another junction occurs after that flat section, marked by this sign. Stay left to continue on Meridian Trail.


After a bit more hiking, you will reach a nice lookout point. This is the best view you will get before the summit. Soak it in and catch your breath before that final push.


One navigation note here, there was a large pile of rocks and a faint trail leading directly towards the summit, contrary to the official trail that loops back. A quick glance at the map I hypothesized that this may be a more direct path to the summit.


My recommendation is to continue along the official trail. My girlfriend and I decided to bushwack our way down this unofficial path during our descent. While it wasn't the worst bushwacking I've experienced, it still wasn't pleasant.


If you follow the official path, you will continue in the trees a little ways past the lookout point before you hit one final junction. Around this pile of rocks you will veer left towards the ridgeline.


And this is around the time the trail disappears and you arrive at this large grass ridge. Continue the ascent towards the boulder field.


Scrambling up the boulder field was the easily the most physically demanding part of the hike. They weren't giant boulders, but they weren't small either. A little bit of balance was helpful to glide up them quickly. Just gotta keep climbing.


And when you have a moment, glance towards your right to see some of the nearby peaks. That large peak to the right is Mount Blue Sky.


Just a few more boulders...


And we've made it! The summit is a long spine, so there weren't any prominent points that felt like the "official summit." Simply select your favorite pile of rocks to sit on...


...and soak in those beautiful mountain views. Always a good day above treeline.


 

SS Reflections

Sure, a 10-mile hike without bagging a 14'er—or even a 13'er—might be a deterrent for some. But that’s precisely what makes Rosedale Peak an appealing trail. The balance of solitude and physical challenge offers a refreshing experience and a reminder that not every hike has to be a mission to conquer the highest peak. But of course, there's also no harm in using it as a warm-up for loftier goals down the road.


Other helpful resources

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