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13,918 ft · Mosquito Range, Colorado
Horseshoe Mountain
Horseshoe Mountain is a 13,918 ft peak in the Mosquito Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Northeast Ridge: 9 mi, 2,650 ft of gain, Class 2.
Horseshoe Mountain at a glance
- Elevation13,918 ft4,242 m
- RouteNortheast RidgeClass 2
- Distance9 mi2,650 ft gain
- Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeMosquito RangeColorado
Climbing the Northeast Ridge
From Fairplay, drive south on US 285 about 1 mile and turn west on CR 18 (Fourmile Creek Road). Continue past the Horseshoe and Fourmile campgrounds to the Leavick area; passenger cars are fine, and 4WD can shorten the hike. Walk the old roads toward Horseshoe's cirque, then climb the Class 2 northeast ridge on tundra and talus to the broad summit. The route is straightforward but fully exposed to wind and lightning. Start early and watch for storms building over the Mosquitos. Two national forest campgrounds sit along CR 18.
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
- High winds
- Storms
- Loose rock
Quests with Horseshoe Mountain
Colorado Centennials
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Horseshoe Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Horseshoe Mountain?
Horseshoe Mountain is 13,918 feet (4,242 m) tall. It is in the Mosquito Range, Colorado.
How does Horseshoe Mountain rank among the Colorado Centennials?
At 13,918 feet, Horseshoe Mountain is the 67th highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Horseshoe Mountain?
The Northeast Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 9 miles with 2,650 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Horseshoe Mountain?
Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Northeast Ridge, covering 9 miles with 2,650 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Horseshoe Mountain?
The Northeast Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 9 miles with 2,650 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 Horseshoe Mountain?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Horseshoe Mountain reaches 13,918 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 Horseshoe 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 Horseshoe 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 Horseshoe 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