Humboldt Peak West Ridge

This route starts and ends at the South Colony Lakes trailhead (9,950' at the upper 4WD lot), summiting Humboldt Peak. From the trailhead, cross a footbridge and follow the old South Colony Lakes road 2.5 miles to a junction near 11,100' (the old South Colony Lakes trailhead). Turn right, leave the road, and continue west through forest; after 0.6 mile cross a rocky area, then pass camping spots near 11,600'. Exit the trees after nearly a mile and continue through willows north of the creek to Lower South Colony Lake. qz Follow the trail northwest up the hillside to a junction above the upper lake, turn right, and head toward the slope below the west ridge. Switchback north toward the saddle between an unnamed 13,290' point and Humboldt, gaining about 700 feet to reach the 12,850' saddle. From the saddle, Humboldt's west ridge rises to the east. Follow the trail on or slightly left of the ridge crest; above 13,700', the trail becomes easy to lose, so stay near the ridge and watch for small cairns. Below a false summit, traverse right briefly before zigzagging up through rocks to the west end of the summit ridge. Walk 0.25 mile east and climb the right side of the final pitch to the 14,067' summit. Retrace the route to the trailhead.

Humboldt Peak was named by German immigrants in honor of Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859), a German geographer, explorer, and mountaineer.