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13,787 ft · Mosquito Range, Colorado

Mosquito Peak

Mosquito Peak is a 13,787 ft peak in the Mosquito Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Mosquito Peak South Ridge: 11 mi, 3,800 ft of gain, Class 1.

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Mosquito Peak in the Mosquito Range, Colorado

Mosquito Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,787 ft4,202 m
  • RouteMosquito Peak South RidgeClass 1
  • Distance11 mi3,800 ft gain
  • Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeMosquito RangeColorado

Climbing the Mosquito Peak South Ridge

Mosquito Peak sits in the Mosquito Range. The usual ascent is Mosquito Peak South Ridge, rated Class 1. Plan about 11.5 miles round-trip with roughly 3,800 ft of gain from about 11,200 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. Stay on the trail, carry layers for cold wind, and turn around if weather builds. Stats and approach details follow climb13ers.com. Bring layers for cold wind on the summit ridge.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (35–55 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

Quests with Mosquito Peak

Peaks near Mosquito Peak

  1. Mount Tweto

    Mount Tweto

    13,683 ft · 1.7 mi away

  2. London Mtn

    London Mtn

    13,199 ft · 1.7 mi away

  3. Mount Buckskin

    Mount Buckskin

    13,871 ft · 2.2 mi away

  4. Arkansas Mt

    Arkansas Mt

    13,804 ft · 2.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mosquito Peak?

Mosquito Peak is 13,787 feet (4,202 m) tall. It is in the Mosquito Range, Colorado.

How does Mosquito Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,787 feet, Mosquito Peak is the 62nd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Mosquito Peak?

The Mosquito Peak South Ridge is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 11 miles with 3,800 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mosquito Peak?

Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Mosquito Peak South Ridge, covering 11 miles with 3,800 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Mosquito Peak?

The Mosquito Peak South Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 11 miles with 3,800 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 Mosquito Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mosquito Peak reaches 13,787 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 Mosquito Peak?

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 hike Mosquito Peak?

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 Mosquito Peak 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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