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13,960 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Ice Mountain

Ice Mountain is a 13,960 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Northeast Ridge: 8 mi, 3,820 ft of gain, Class 3.

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

Ice Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation13,960 ft4,255 m
  • RouteNortheast RidgeClass 3
  • Distance8 mi3,820 ft gain
  • Time8 – 10 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Northeast Ridge

From US 24 between Leadville and Buena Vista, take CR 390 west about 12 miles to Winfield, then continue on the rough road toward the Three Apostles trailhead; high clearance or 4WD helps. Hike into the basin below the Apostles and climb to the saddle with North Apostle, then follow the Northeast Ridge on Class 3 rock that is loose and exposed. Helmets are important due to rockfall in the gully. Combine with North Apostle for a full day. Start before dawn to beat storms. Camping is available near Winfield.

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
  • Helmet

What to watch for

  • Loose rock
  • Rockfall
  • Steep exposure
  • Stream crossing
  • Storms

Quests with Ice Mountain

Peaks near Ice Mountain

  1. North Apostle

    North Apostle

    13,869 ft · 0.4 mi away

  2. West Apostle

    West Apostle

    13,597 ft · 0.6 mi away

  3. UN 13513

    UN 13513

    13,513 ft · 1.3 mi away

  4. UN 13486

    UN 13486

    13,486 ft · 1.5 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Ice Mountain?

Ice Mountain is 13,960 feet (4,255 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Ice Mountain rank among the Colorado Centennials?

At 13,960 feet, Ice Mountain is the 59th highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.

How hard is it to climb Ice Mountain?

The Northeast Ridge is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 8 miles with 3,820 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Ice Mountain?

Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Northeast Ridge, covering 8 miles with 3,820 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Ice Mountain dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.

Do you need a helmet for Ice Mountain?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Northeast Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.

Will you get altitude sickness on Ice Mountain?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Ice Mountain reaches 13,960 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 climbing Ice Mountain?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 8 – 10 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to climb Ice Mountain?

The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Ice 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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