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- Clinton Peak
13,866 ft · Mosquito Range, Colorado
Clinton Peak
Clinton Peak is a 13,866 ft peak in the Mosquito Range, Colorado. The standard route is the South Southwest Ridge: 12 mi, 3,200 ft of gain, Class 2.
Clinton Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,866 ft4,226 m
- RouteSouth Southwest RidgeClass 2
- Distance12 mi3,200 ft gain
- Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeMosquito RangeColorado
Climbing the South Southwest Ridge
From Hoosier Pass on Highway 9, drive about 1 mile south and turn west on CR 4 to Montgomery Reservoir; passenger cars should park near the reservoir. Hike the rough road past the Magnolia Mill toward Wheeler Lake, then climb Class 2 slopes to Clinton's south southwest ridge and the summit. The 4WD road to Wheeler Lake is notoriously rocky and shortens the day only for capable vehicles. McNamee and Traver peaks make an easy ridge extension. Start early for storms. Camping is limited near the reservoir.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (35–55 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
- High winds
- Storms
- Loose rock
Quests with Clinton Peak
Colorado Centennials
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Clinton Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Clinton Peak?
Clinton Peak is 13,866 feet (4,226 m) tall. It is in the Mosquito Range, Colorado.
How does Clinton Peak rank among the Colorado Centennials?
At 13,866 feet, Clinton Peak is the 79th highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Clinton Peak?
The South Southwest Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 12 miles with 3,200 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Clinton Peak?
Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the South Southwest Ridge, covering 12 miles with 3,200 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Clinton Peak?
The South Southwest Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 12 miles with 3,200 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 Clinton Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Clinton Peak reaches 13,866 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 Clinton Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 8 – 10 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike Clinton Peak?
The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Clinton Peak 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