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13,871 ft · Mosquito Range, Colorado

Mount Buckskin

Mount Buckskin is a 13,871 ft peak in the Mosquito Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Northeast Slopes: 3 mi, 1,850 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Mount Buckskin in the Mosquito Range, Colorado

Mount Buckskin at a glance

  • Elevation13,871 ft4,227 m
  • RouteNortheast SlopesClass 2
  • Distance3 mi1,850 ft gain
  • Time3 – 5 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Sep
  • RangeMosquito RangeColorado

Climbing the Northeast Slopes

From Alma on Highway 9, turn west on Kite Lake Road (Park County Road 8, not CR 10) and follow it about 6 miles toward Kite Lake. The road passes private mining claims; passenger cars usually make the lower lot. Hike to the basin south of the road, then climb Buckskin's northeast slopes on steep Class 2 talus and scree to the summit. It is a short outing from a high trailhead, but the loose slope is tiring. Start early; the Mosquitos see frequent storms. Kite Lake is busy with DeCaLiBron hikers on summer weekends, so arrive early for parking.

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

  • Loose rock
  • High winds
  • Storms

Quests with Mount Buckskin

Peaks near Mount Buckskin

  1. Mount Tweto

    Mount Tweto

    13,683 ft · 1.0 mi away

  2. Mount Democrat

    Mount Democrat

    14,155 ft · 1.4 mi away

  3. Arkansas Mt

    Arkansas Mt

    13,804 ft · 1.7 mi away

  4. Mosquito Peak

    Mosquito Peak

    13,787 ft · 2.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Buckskin?

Mount Buckskin is 13,871 feet (4,227 m) tall. It is in the Mosquito Range, Colorado.

How does Mount Buckskin rank among the Colorado Centennials?

At 13,871 feet, Mount Buckskin is the 75th highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.

How hard is it to hike Mount Buckskin?

The Northeast Slopes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 3 miles with 1,850 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Buckskin?

Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the Northeast Slopes, covering 3 miles with 1,850 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Mount Buckskin?

The Northeast Slopes needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 3 miles with 1,850 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 Mount Buckskin?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Buckskin reaches 13,871 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 Buckskin?

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 Buckskin?

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

Climb Mount Buckskin 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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