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13,172 ft · Front Range, Colorado

Kelso Mtn

Kelso Mtn is a 13,172 ft peak in the Front Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Kelso Mountain East Flank: 4 mi, 1,910 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Kelso Mtn in the Front Range, Colorado

Kelso Mtn at a glance

  • Elevation13,172 ft4,014 m
  • RouteKelso Mountain East FlankClass 2
  • Distance4 mi1,910 ft gain
  • Time3 – 5 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeFront RangeColorado

Climbing the Kelso Mountain East Flank

Kelso Mtn sits in the Front Range. The usual ascent is Kelso Mountain East Flank, rated Class 2. Plan about 4.85 miles round-trip with roughly 1,910 ft of gain from about 11,255 ft. Expect high clearance for the drive. 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 Kelso Mtn

Peaks near Kelso Mtn

  1. Torreys Peak

    Torreys Peak

    14,267 ft · 1.6 mi away

  2. Mount Edwards

    Mount Edwards

    13,860 ft · 1.6 mi away

  3. Grays Peak

    Grays Peak

    14,278 ft · 2.0 mi away

  4. Grizzly Peak

    Grizzly Peak

    13,435 ft · 2.8 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Kelso Mtn?

Kelso Mtn is 13,172 feet (4,014 m) tall. It is in the Front Range, Colorado.

How does Kelso Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,172 feet, Kelso Mtn is the 449th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Kelso Mtn?

The Kelso Mountain East Flank 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 1,910 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Kelso Mtn?

Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the Kelso Mountain East Flank, covering 4 miles with 1,910 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Kelso Mtn?

The Kelso Mountain East Flank needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 4 miles with 1,910 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 Kelso Mtn?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Kelso Mtn reaches 13,172 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 Kelso Mtn?

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 Kelso Mtn?

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 Kelso Mtn 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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