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- Geissler Mtn West
13,308 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado
Geissler Mtn West
Geissler Mtn West is a 13,308 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Geissler West from east slopes: 4 mi, 1,800 ft of gain, Class 2.
Geissler Mtn West at a glance
- Elevation13,308 ft4,056 m
- RouteGeissler West from east slopesClass 2
- Distance4 mi1,800 ft gain
- Time3 – 5 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSawatch RangeColorado
Climbing the Geissler West from east slopes
Geissler Mtn West sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Geissler West from east slopes, rated Class 2. Plan about 4 miles round-trip with roughly 1,800 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 West
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Geissler Mtn West
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Geissler Mtn West?
Geissler Mtn West is 13,308 feet (4,056 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.
How does Geissler Mtn West rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,308 feet, Geissler Mtn West is the 340th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to hike Geissler Mtn West?
The Geissler West from east slopes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 4 miles with 1,800 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Geissler Mtn West?
Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the Geissler West from east slopes, covering 4 miles with 1,800 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Geissler Mtn West?
The Geissler West from east slopes needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 4 miles with 1,800 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 West?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Geissler Mtn West reaches 13,308 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 West?
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 West?
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 West 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