Near South Mountain Loop
Aspen singletrack
Near South Mountain Loop
Wildflowers
Near South Mountain Loop
Near Burlfriends Trail #88.
Near South Mountain Loop
Views from south side of S. Mt
Near South Mountain Loop
Avalanche debris

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South Mountain Loop

4.0 (3 Ratings)
Great 9 mile loop around South Mountain in the La Sals.
8.7
mi
Distance
2,244
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingFall ColorsGeologically SignificantLakeViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
8.67mi
Distance
2,244ft
Elevation Gain
2,243ft
Elevation Loss
55%
Max Grade
10,730ft
High Point
9,462ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
Nice half day hike around South Mountain, a little over 9 miles. A couple of big hills but nothing that lasts too long. Awesome view in all directions -- would be especially nice with late September fall colors or during peak wildflower season. The cut off to the Terraces Trailhead makes this a very nice loop from a car park at Medicine Lake.I started at Medicine Lake, hike the Medicine Lakes Trail south to the South Mountain Trail and took a right (west) and followed that around South Mountain. When I got to the shoulder (NW side of S Mt group on top of the hill above Pack Creek and at the junction with Terraces Trail #080) I took a right (east) there and it was a nice quick traverse over to La Sal pass and back down the hill to the car park at Medicine Lake.Car park at Medicine Lake: 38deg24'57.58"N, 109deg14'50.75"W
History & Background
Not sure but would love to know what all the terraces are about near the Terraces Trail TH.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Jason Keith