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- Colosseum Mountain
12,454 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Colosseum Mountain
Colosseum Mountain is a 12,454 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the West Ridge from Colosseum Col: 26 mi, 8,925 ft of gain, Class 1.
Colosseum Mountain at a glance
- Elevation12,454 ft3,795 m
- RouteWest Ridge from Colosseum ColClass 1
- Distance26 mi8,925 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the West Ridge from Colosseum Col
From US 395 about 8 miles north of Independence, take Black Rock Springs Road and Tinemaha Road to Division Creek Road and the Sawmill Pass trailhead. The trail climbs a hot, dry, shadeless slope before entering Sawmill Canyon, then passes Sawmill Meadow and Sawmill Lake to Sawmill Pass. Drop into Woods Lake Basin and walk to Colosseum Col west of the peak for a Class 1 stroll up the west ridge to the higher west summit. Start before dawn in summer for the desert section. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required overnight. The 2026 Rock Fire closed this area, so check Inyo National Forest alerts first.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (55–75 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
- Dry conditions
- Remote location
- Loose rock
- Storms
Quests with Colosseum Mountain
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Colosseum Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Colosseum Mountain?
Colosseum Mountain is 12,454 feet (3,795 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Colosseum Mountain?
The West Ridge from Colosseum Col is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 26 miles with 8,925 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Colosseum Mountain?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the West Ridge from Colosseum Col, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Colosseum Mountain?
The West Ridge from Colosseum Col needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard trip: 26 miles with 8,925 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Colosseum Mountain?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Colosseum Mountain reaches 12,454 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
When is the best time to hike Colosseum Mountain?
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 Colosseum Mountain 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