Diorite Peak is a skyscraper zenith, yet it is surprisingly welcoming and friendly. Anyone in decent shape can crest this mountain.
The summit is accessed from the south, so it may be climbed earlier in the summer than most peaks in the La Plata range. For many locals, climbing Diorite in May is an annual rite of spring. Late snow this year has pushed the first ascents into June. Picturesque mining ruins begin just a mile up the trail.
From the La Plata Canyon trailhead (9,880 feet), walk west up Forest Road 798, an abandoned wagon road into Tomahawk Basin. Enter an aspen forest occasionally interrupted with talus flows, keeping Basin Creek on the left/southwest. In 0.7 mile, emerge from the woods.
In one mile, you will reach a juncture with the Tomahawk shortcut trail. For a leisurely ascent, simply stay on the road. For a steep, shorter alternative, punch up a social trail that cuts west of the tailings pile and Tomahawk stamp mill before rejoining the road. I generally stay on the road going up but take the shortcut on my return. Either way, you can admire at close range the impressive mining ruins.
The Tomahawk Mining Co. built the stamp mill in 1904. Exploratory work was done on promising veins in the diorite stock. Recovery of precious metals was poor, at most 0.6 ounces of gold to the ton. Mining operations in Tomahawk basin concluded in 1911 (courtesy, John Sanders). Incidentally, word of mouth also reports samples of precious amethyst in the upper basin.
Continue northwest on the road beyond the stamp mill. The track makes a sharp switchback to the right at Little Kate Mine. Soon the ridge spanning Mount Moss and Diorite Peak is revealed to the north. Note the low point in the ridge while remaining on the abandoned road as it switchbacks up the south-facing slope.
The road fades, and a social trail commences. After the rocky track, the green treadway is a relief, even if the grade steepens. The trail passes close to beautifully crafted stone foundations, while wildflowers grow audaciously in the cracks.
The trail ends at a large mine cavern drilled into the side of the mountain. The next goal is 200 vertical feet away, a saddle at 12,360 feet. Simply climb north up the steep hillside to the minor divot in the ridge. Trekking poles are helpful. You will be stair-stepping up flower platforms on renowned Columbine Hill. Mid-summer, the sheer numbers of columbine are staggering. Take an honest look. These glorious yet gaudy flowers look a product of the Disney Design Studio. A dazzling assortment of other wildflowers compete with this state champion for all they’re worth. Notable is Brandegee clover, a study in velvet hot magenta.
Upon gaining the saddle at 3.3 miles, Mount Moss is 1.5 miles away, directly west. Resist the urge to bridge this dangerous, impassible knife.
Diorite Peak is less than half a mile from the saddle. Turn right/east and climb on the ridgetop or just right of the rib on fragments of a social trail. The upper mountain is comprised of the granitic diorite, an intrusive igneous rock dependable underfoot. The summit finally comes into view from a promontory. Descend to a shallow low point. The final 200 feet of climbing is Class 2+ (no hands!) on solid blocks of rock. Approach the crest by means of a peninsular stone catwalk, experiencing the thrill of a narrow ridge with only a hint of the expected terror.
A columnar cliff on the west face accentuates Diorite’s small crown at 3.8 miles. Stand on the very edge of the sheer drop. The peak falls off to the east less evenly but just as greatly. On a clear day, the vista of the San Juan Mountains is astounding.
In late spring, snow mixed with stony brilliance is visually captivating. Diorite resides as a standalone peak smack in the middle of the La Plata range. On the western massif, the alluring and intimidating Babcock trio are south, Mount Moss is due west. To its north are Lavender Peak, Hesperus Mountain and Centennial Peak. Across La Plata Canyon is Kennebec Pass, Cumberland, Lewis, and Silver mountains.
For the return, the simplest strategy is to walk back on your ascent route. The Tomahawk shortcut shaves half a mile. Regardless of your fitness, if Diorite is your first mountain of 2015, you will feel the climb in your legs the next day while fantasizing about the La Plata climbing season to come.
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Trail basics
Diorite Peak, La Plata Mountains
Travel: From the U.S. Highway 550/160 intersection in Durango, travel 11.0 miles west on U.S. 160 to Hesperus. Turn right/north on La Plata Canyon Road (County Road 124). Zero-out your trip meter. After passing the hamlet of Mayday, the road turns to smooth dirt at 4.6 miles. There are several established campgrounds in this area. In 8.5 miles the roadbed deteriorates with sharp, sizable rocks. A 2WD vehicle with good tires and moderate clearance should suffice. Park at 10.6 miles. The hike goes west up Forest Road 798 into Tomahawk Basin. With high clearance, 4WD low, and copious nerve and skill, it is possible to drive up the steep and rocky two-track another two miles to 10,950 feet.
Distance and Elevation Gain: 7.6 miles and 3,000 feet of climbing from La Plata Canyon Road.
Time: 5 to 6 hours.
Difficulty: 4WD road, social trail, off-trail; moderate navigation required; no exposure en route.
Map: La Plata, Colorado, 7.5-minute quad.
