La Plata Peak via the Southwest Ridge

This Class 2 route is the shortest path up La Plata Peak, though its steep grades and sections of loose rock make it a demanding climb. The trail begins at the trailhead and crosses a small stream, paralleling a gulch for under 0.5 miles before reaching the open timberline basin at approximately 12,000 feet. Hikers navigate a willow-covered basin that can be quite muddy, eventually reaching the north end of the basin at 12,100 feet. From here, the route climbs northwest, passing an old mine below some cliffs at 12,400 feet, and ascends a steep, loose slope to top out at a notch on the southwest ridge at 12,750 feet. From the notch, the trail follows the ridge northeast for 0.5 miles over gentle terrain before reaching a steep, rocky slope below 14,000 feet. Hikers must navigate up this steep but relatively stable rock slope using cairns for guidance. After reaching a flat spot near 14,000 feet, the route follows the ridge crest toward a 14,200-foot false summit, which is bypassed on the left. The path then drops slightly and merges with the standard Northwest Ridge route to complete the final climb to the 14,344-foot summit of La Plata Peak.