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13,381 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Geissler Mtn East

Geissler Mtn East is a 13,381 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the East Geissler SW Ridge: 3 mi, 2,280 ft of gain, Class 2.

Geissler Mtn East in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Geissler Mtn East at a glance

  • Elevation13,381 ft4,078 m
  • RouteEast Geissler SW RidgeClass 2
  • Distance3 mi2,280 ft gain
  • Time3 – 5 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the East Geissler SW Ridge

Geissler Mtn East sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is East Geissler SW Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 3.2 miles round-trip with roughly 2,280 ft of gain from about 11,506 ft. The trailhead is typically reachable by passenger car. 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 Geissler Mtn East

Peaks near Geissler Mtn East

  1. Geissler Mtn West

    Geissler Mtn West

    13,308 ft · 0.0 mi away

  2. Twining Peak

    Twining Peak

    13,721 ft · 1.3 mi away

  3. UN 13556

    UN 13556

    13,556 ft · 1.3 mi away

  4. UN 13006

    UN 13006

    13,006 ft · 1.5 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Geissler Mtn East?

Geissler Mtn East is 13,381 feet (4,078 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Geissler Mtn East rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,381 feet, Geissler Mtn East is the 282nd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Geissler Mtn East?

The East Geissler SW Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 3 miles with 2,280 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Geissler Mtn East?

Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the East Geissler SW Ridge, covering 3 miles with 2,280 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Geissler Mtn East?

The East Geissler SW Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 3 miles with 2,280 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 Geissler Mtn East?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Geissler Mtn East reaches 13,381 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 Geissler Mtn East?

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 Geissler Mtn East?

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 Geissler Mtn East 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