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13,747 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Mount Aetna

Mount Aetna is a 13,747 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Mt. Aetna East Ridge: 6 mi, 3,420 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Mount Aetna in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Mount Aetna at a glance

  • Elevation13,747 ft4,190 m
  • RouteMt. Aetna East RidgeClass 2
  • Distance6 mi3,420 ft gain
  • Time5 – 7 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Mt. Aetna East Ridge

Mount Aetna sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Mt. Aetna East Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 6.6 miles round-trip with roughly 3,420 ft of gain from about 11,680 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 Mount Aetna

Peaks near Mount Aetna

  1. Taylor Mtn

    Taylor Mtn

    13,655 ft · 1.1 mi away

  2. Monumental Peak

    Monumental Peak

    13,375 ft · 2.1 mi away

  3. Carbonate Mtn

    Carbonate Mtn

    13,662 ft · 3.5 mi away

  4. Cyclone Mtn

    Cyclone Mtn

    13,616 ft · 3.6 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Aetna?

Mount Aetna is 13,747 feet (4,190 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. It is also known as Aetna, Mt.

How does Mount Aetna rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,747 feet, Mount Aetna is the 75th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Mount Aetna?

The Mt. Aetna East Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 6 miles with 3,420 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Aetna?

Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Mt. Aetna East Ridge, covering 6 miles with 3,420 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Mount Aetna?

The Mt. Aetna East Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 6 miles with 3,420 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 Mount Aetna?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Aetna reaches 13,747 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 Mount Aetna?

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 Mount Aetna?

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 Mount Aetna 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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