Cinnamon Pass 13ers

Christy on the summit ridge of Wood Mountain. — Christy is on the east ridge of Wood Mountain. Handies Peak is in the background to the left.

If you’re in the Silverton area in the back half of May and are looking for easy, high access to some local 13ers, consider heading up towards Cinnamon Pass. We made our way up there this past spring and managed to ski Wood Mountain, Animas Forks Mountain, and Cinnamon Mountain, all in one straightforward day.

As the snow starts to melt each spring, a significant effort is made to open some of the San Juan passes. One of them, Cinnamon Pass, is part of the famous Alpine Loop, a major tourist draw, and there’s always a push to get that road plowed and open as early as possible.

If you drive north out of Silverton, a two-wheel drive car can make it to the base of the Cinnamon Pass Road, and a 4WD can go even higher if it’s clear.

Whether you’re on foot, skis, or in a car, once you near the high basin below Cinnamon Pass, you can set your sights on any of the three 13ers.

Approaching Wood Mountain for a ski descent — Approaching Wood Mountain in the distance, following the unplowed Cinnamon Pass Road.

Skiing down the south face of Wood Mountain.

American Peak and its well-known couloirs. — American Peak and its well-known couloirs that we skied the day before.

Wetterhorn Peak and Matterhorn Peak — Wetterhorn (L) and Matterhorn (R) peaks in the distance.

We started by ascending the East Ridge of Wood Mountain (13,660 ft.) and skied its south face. From there, we traversed west towards Animas Forks Mountain (13,722 ft.) and skied one of its long southeast couloirs. That was the best snow of the day– softened corn snow on a nice long pitch. And we had an amazing view of American Peak, which we skied the day before.

Christy Mahon topping out on the summit of Animas Forks Mountain — Topping out on the summit of Animas Forks Mountain, 13,722 ft.

Looking out to Niagara Peak, center, and Jones Mountain — Christy and I, along with Joey and Sean, on the summit of Animas Forks Mountain.

Skiing Animas Forks Mountain — Animas Forks Mountain has several long southeast ski lines that descend to the Cinnamon Pass Road. It was the best skiing of the three summits we skied here on this day.

Christy Mahon skiing Animas Forks Mountain — We timed the corn snow perfectly!

From there, we made our way across the snow-covered road, southeast, towards Cinnamon Mountain (13,328 ft.). We expected the steep northwest face to be the highlight of the day, but the lack of direct sunlight didn’t allow the snow to soften enough, and we found the conditions less than desirable– breakable crust. Oh well.

Cinnamon Mountain, across the valley — Cinnamon Mountain, 13,328 ft., was across the valley. We skied the line that descends to the right in the photo.

Christy Mahon skiing Cinnamon Mountain — Christy on Cinnamon Mountain. The north-facing snow was still firm, and the skiing wasn’t great. But it was fun to ski three summits in one day! You can see the lines on Animas Forks Mountain in the background.

And after that, we made our way back down to the recently plowed road, switched from ski boots to trail shoes, and walked down to the car.

It was a fantastic day on three new 13ers. Nothing was too technical, the backdrop was impressive, and we didn’t see another person. Check out the Cinnamon Pass 13ers next time you have a chance!