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13,662 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Carbonate Mtn

Carbonate Mtn is a 13,662 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Carbonate Mtn NW Ridge: 3 mi, 1,600 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Carbonate Mtn in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Carbonate Mtn at a glance

  • Elevation13,662 ft4,164 m
  • RouteCarbonate Mtn NW RidgeClass 2
  • Distance3 mi1,600 ft gain
  • Time3 – 5 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Carbonate Mtn NW Ridge

Carbonate Mtn sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Carbonate Mtn NW Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 3.6 miles round-trip with roughly 1,600 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 Carbonate Mtn

Peaks near Carbonate Mtn

  1. Cyclone Mtn

    Cyclone Mtn

    13,616 ft · 0.6 mi away

  2. Tabeguache Peak

    Tabeguache Peak

    14,162 ft · 1.8 mi away

  3. Cronin Peak

    Cronin Peak

    13,872 ft · 1.9 mi away

  4. Grizzly Mtn

    Grizzly Mtn

    13,722 ft · 1.9 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Carbonate Mtn?

Carbonate Mtn is 13,662 feet (4,164 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Carbonate Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,662 feet, Carbonate Mtn is the 113th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Carbonate Mtn?

The Carbonate Mtn NW Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 3 miles with 1,600 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Carbonate Mtn?

Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the Carbonate Mtn NW Ridge, covering 3 miles with 1,600 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Carbonate Mtn?

Usually, if you are fit. The Carbonate Mtn NW Ridge is a common first summit for hikers ready for 3 – 5 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

Will you get altitude sickness on Carbonate Mtn?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Carbonate Mtn reaches 13,662 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 Carbonate 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 Carbonate 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 Carbonate 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

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