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13,616 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Cyclone Mtn

Cyclone Mtn is a 13,616 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Cyclone Mountain North Ridge: 4 mi, 1,200 ft of gain, Class 2.

Cyclone Mtn in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Cyclone Mtn at a glance

  • Elevation13,616 ft4,150 m
  • RouteCyclone Mountain North RidgeClass 2
  • Distance4 mi1,200 ft gain
  • Time3 – 5 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Cyclone Mountain North Ridge

Cyclone Mtn sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Cyclone Mountain North Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 4.2 miles round-trip with roughly 1,200 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 Cyclone Mtn

Peaks near Cyclone Mtn

  1. Carbonate Mtn

    Carbonate Mtn

    13,662 ft · 0.6 mi away

  2. Grizzly Mtn

    Grizzly Mtn

    13,722 ft · 1.3 mi away

  3. Cronin Peak

    Cronin Peak

    13,872 ft · 1.6 mi away

  4. Tabeguache Peak

    Tabeguache Peak

    14,162 ft · 2.3 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Cyclone Mtn?

Cyclone Mtn is 13,616 feet (4,150 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Cyclone Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,616 feet, Cyclone Mtn is the 132nd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Cyclone Mtn?

The Cyclone Mountain North Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 4 miles with 1,200 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Cyclone Mtn?

Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the Cyclone Mountain North Ridge, covering 4 miles with 1,200 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Cyclone Mtn?

Usually, if you are fit. The Cyclone Mountain North 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 Cyclone Mtn?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Cyclone Mtn reaches 13,616 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 Cyclone 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 Cyclone 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 Cyclone 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