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- Fletcher Mountain
13,943 ft · Tenmile Range, Colorado
Fletcher Mountain
Fletcher Mountain is a 13,943 ft peak in the Tenmile Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Southwest Ridge: 5 mi, 2,250 ft of gain, Class 2.
Fletcher Mountain at a glance
- Elevation13,943 ft4,249 m
- RouteSouthwest RidgeClass 2
- Distance5 mi2,250 ft gain
- Time4 – 6 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeTenmile RangeColorado
Climbing the Southwest Ridge
From Breckenridge, drive south on Highway 9 and turn west onto Blue Lakes Road (CR 850). Continue past the Quandary lot to the Blue Lakes dam trailhead; the road is usually fine for passenger cars. Walk around the upper lake into the Monte Cristo basin, then climb Class 2 talus to Fletcher's southwest ridge and follow it to the summit. It is a short day, and the ridge to Drift Peak offers a Class 3 extension. Snow lingers in the basin into early summer. Start early for storms. Expect few crowds compared to Quandary nearby.
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
- Loose rock
- Storms
- High winds
- Snow near summit
Quests with Fletcher Mountain
Colorado Centennials
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Fletcher Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Fletcher Mountain?
Fletcher Mountain is 13,943 feet (4,249 m) tall. It is in the Tenmile Range, Colorado.
How does Fletcher Mountain rank among the Colorado Centennials?
At 13,943 feet, Fletcher Mountain is the 62nd highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Fletcher Mountain?
The Southwest Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 5 miles with 2,250 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Fletcher Mountain?
Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Southwest Ridge, covering 5 miles with 2,250 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Fletcher Mountain?
The Southwest Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 5 miles with 2,250 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 Fletcher Mountain?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Fletcher Mountain reaches 13,943 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 Fletcher Mountain?
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 Fletcher Mountain?
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 Fletcher 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