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13,942 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

French Mountain

French Mountain is a 13,942 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Southeast Ridge: 10 mi, 3,650 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado Centennials
French Mountain in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

French Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation13,942 ft4,249 m
  • RouteSoutheast RidgeClass 2
  • Distance10 mi3,650 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Southeast Ridge

From Leadville, drive southwest on US 24, turn west on Highway 300, then follow CR 11 and FR 110 up Halfmoon Creek to the South Halfmoon Creek road (FR 110J). High clearance is needed, and the creek crossing turns many drivers back. Hike the old road up South Halfmoon Creek, then climb Class 2 slopes and the southeast ridge to French's summit. Casco Peak lies along the connecting ridge for a longer day. Start early, since the high basin offers little cover from storms. Primitive campsites line the Halfmoon Creek road.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (30–40 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
  • Stream crossing
  • Storms
  • High winds

Quests with French Mountain

Peaks near French Mountain

  1. K 49

    K 49

    13,543 ft · 1.9 mi away

  2. Mount Champion

    Mount Champion

    13,645 ft · 2.1 mi away

  3. Mount Elbert

    Mount Elbert

    14,440 ft · 2.1 mi away

  4. UN 13738

    UN 13738

    13,738 ft · 2.4 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is French Mountain?

French Mountain is 13,942 feet (4,249 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does French Mountain rank among the Colorado Centennials?

At 13,942 feet, French Mountain is the 63rd highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.

How hard is it to hike French Mountain?

The Southeast Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 10 miles with 3,650 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike French Mountain?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Southeast Ridge, covering 10 miles with 3,650 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike French Mountain?

The Southeast Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 10 miles with 3,650 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 French Mountain?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and French Mountain reaches 13,942 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 French 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 French 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 French 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

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