Redcloud Peak

From the Silver Creek-Grizzly Gulch trailhead at 10,400 feet, follow the Silver Creek trail up the drainage through forest and into a wide basin, about 3 miles to a saddle at 13,000 feet on the peak's north side. From the saddle the trail climbs the northeast ridge on tundra and talus, with a few false summits, to the top at 14,034 feet. Redcloud alone is about 9 miles round trip with 3,700 feet of gain; the traverse to Sunshine and back adds roughly 3 miles and 1,100 feet.

Nothing on the standard route is harder than a rocky trail, and the grade is steady rather than steep. The upper ridge is exposed to wind and weather with no cover, and the false summits wear on people who did not expect them. The Sunshine traverse is the same character. If you add Sunshine, return over Redcloud rather than dropping down Sunshine's loose northwest face.

Cinnamon Pass Road (County Road 30) from Lake City, about 20 miles past Lake San Cristobal to the trailhead. Passenger cars manage the road when dry; beyond the trailhead it turns into the Alpine Loop 4WD route. Toilet at the lot, no fee or permit.

Mid-June through September, with the ridge usually dry by early July. The San Juan monsoon delivers afternoon storms daily in July and August, and the ridge is the last place to be caught. Start at first light; September mornings are the calmest.

Camp at the trailhead or along Cinnamon Pass Road; Mill Creek campground is the developed option. Lake City has groceries, gas, and lodging 45 minutes away. Handies Peak, across the road by way of Grizzly Gulch or farther up at American Basin, is the natural second day, and many visitors collect all three peaks over a weekend.