Route: The La Plata Enchilada

Jack Van Lanker and I completed, to our knowledge, the first (documented) push of this incredible endurance route. We opted for an unsupported style, carrying all our own food and water, with no stashes. I wanted to add a bit of detail and context to the existing track and description, in hopes that this route can become a bit more solidified.  

First things first, the GPS track that was uploaded to this page has a few errors. It leaves out both Sharkstooth and Kennebec peak on the track, two mountains listed in the "required" summits list. Secondly, we did not climb kennebec peak. This "peak" is more of a contrived flat unranked ridgeline north or Cumberland that adds nothing to the route. Since we couldn't find anything about it and the gps track on this page didn't show the route going over it, we felt it should be skipped. Instead, we added Indian trail ridge, which in our opinion is a more logical peak to add, and gives a stunning panorama of the whole enchilada. Third, the track shows the route going down Hesperus North/NE ridge, something Jack and I both agreed looked frightening. Instead we went out and back from the lavender saddle, and then descended a large gully/couloir that was extremely loose, but much safer. Would highly recommend this path for anyone looking to try it. Lastly, make sure you do not skip out on Babcock's true summit, the middle point is the highest, and requires a slightly time consuming and technical out and back.  Other than these few minor tweaks, the route information given and gps files have it all there!

Hopefully this route sees some other efforts soon... I really believe it's in the same realm and quality as routes like the WURL or LA freeway, with nearly identical stats. We'd done minimal scouting or rehearsal, and both were aware in ways the time could be improved... Go get it !  

Feel free to reach out with any questions - ngrage007@gmail.com - Noah.grage on instagram. 

As someone who has done it I added the western babecock, and I think I did Indian trail ridge and kenebeck peak should be included since it is part of the ridge line proper. I didn’t do sharkstooth though.