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13,530 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Boulder Mtn

Boulder Mtn is a 13,530 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Boulder Mtn NE Ridge & Slopes: 7 mi, 4,100 ft of gain, Class 2.

Boulder Mtn in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Boulder Mtn at a glance

  • Elevation13,530 ft4,123 m
  • RouteBoulder Mtn NE Ridge & SlopesClass 2
  • Distance7 mi4,100 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Boulder Mtn NE Ridge & Slopes

Boulder Mtn sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Boulder Mtn NE Ridge & Slopes, rated Class 2. Plan about 7 miles round-trip with roughly 4,100 ft of gain from about 9,540 ft. Expect a rough 4WD approach road. Summer monsoon storms build fast, so start early and be off the summit by early afternoon. Watch for loose rock, route-finding on talus, and brief exposed steps where the terrain steepens. Stats and approach details follow climb13ers.com. Bring layers for cold wind on the summit ridge.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • Storms
  • High altitude
  • Route-finding difficulty

Quests with Boulder Mtn

Peaks near Boulder Mtn

  1. Cronin Peak

    Cronin Peak

    13,872 ft · 1.8 mi away

  2. Mount Antero

    Mount Antero

    14,269 ft · 2.5 mi away

  3. Grizzly Mtn

    Grizzly Mtn

    13,722 ft · 2.6 mi away

  4. Cyclone Mtn

    Cyclone Mtn

    13,616 ft · 3.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Boulder Mtn?

Boulder Mtn is 13,530 feet (4,123 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Boulder Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,530 feet, Boulder Mtn is the 185th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Boulder Mtn?

The Boulder Mtn NE Ridge & Slopes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 7 miles with 4,100 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Boulder Mtn?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Boulder Mtn NE Ridge & Slopes, covering 7 miles with 4,100 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Boulder Mtn?

The Boulder Mtn NE Ridge & Slopes needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 7 miles with 4,100 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

Will you get altitude sickness on Boulder Mtn?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Boulder Mtn reaches 13,530 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

What time should you start hiking Boulder Mtn?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.

When is the best time to hike Boulder Mtn?

The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Boulder Mtn with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list