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13,108 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Middle Mtn

Middle Mtn is a 13,108 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Middle Mountain SW Ridge: 9 mi, 3,850 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Middle Mtn in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Middle Mtn at a glance

  • Elevation13,108 ft3,995 m
  • RouteMiddle Mountain SW RidgeClass 2
  • Distance9 mi3,850 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Middle Mountain SW Ridge

Middle Mtn sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Middle Mountain SW Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 9.85 miles round-trip with roughly 3,850 ft of gain from about 11,280 ft. Expect a rough 4WD approach road. 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 (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

  • Storms
  • High altitude
  • Route-finding difficulty

Quests with Middle Mtn

Peaks near Middle Mtn

  1. Lake Fork Peak

    Lake Fork Peak

    13,333 ft · 1.5 mi away

  2. Garfield Peak

    Garfield Peak

    13,778 ft · 1.6 mi away

  3. Grizzly Peak

    Grizzly Peak

    13,997 ft · 2.4 mi away

  4. Anderson Peak

    Anderson Peak

    13,637 ft · 2.9 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Middle Mtn?

Middle Mtn is 13,108 feet (3,995 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Middle Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,108 feet, Middle Mtn is the 509th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Middle Mtn?

The Middle Mountain SW 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 3,850 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Middle Mtn?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Middle Mountain SW Ridge, covering 9 miles with 3,850 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Middle Mtn?

The Middle Mountain SW Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 9 miles with 3,850 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 Middle Mtn?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Middle Mtn reaches 13,108 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 Middle 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 Middle 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 Middle 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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