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- Mount Cameron
14,248 ft · Mosquito Range, Colorado
Mount Cameron
Mount Cameron is a 14,248 ft peak in the Mosquito Range, Colorado. The standard route is the West Ridge: 4 mi, 2,250 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Cameron at a glance
- Elevation14,248 ft4,342 m
- RouteWest RidgeClass 2
- Distance4 mi2,250 ft gain
- Time4 – 6 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeMosquito RangeColorado
Climbing the West Ridge
From Alma, Colorado, take Highway 9 north and turn onto Kite Lake Road to the trailhead. Mount Cameron is typically done as part of the Decalibron loop along with Democrat, Bross, and Lincoln. While not officially ranked as a separate 14er due to insufficient prominence, most hikers tag the summit. It's a short detour from the Lincoln to Democrat traverse along the ridge. Windy conditions are common on the exposed summit area. Class 2 terrain. The four-peak loop is one of Colorado's most popular 14er challenges.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- High winds
- Loose rock
- Storms
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Low visibility
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
Mount Cameron on Yak
Climbers have shared 65 climbs of Mount Cameron on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Mount Cameron
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ersPeaks near Mount Cameron
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Cameron?
Mount Cameron is 14,248 feet (4,342 m) tall. It is in the Mosquito Range, Colorado.
How does Mount Cameron rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,248 feet, Mount Cameron is the 17th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Mount Cameron?
The West Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 4 miles with 2,250 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Cameron?
Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the West Ridge, covering 4 miles with 2,250 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Mount Cameron?
The West Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 4 miles with 2,250 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 Cameron?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Cameron reaches 14,248 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 Cameron?
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 Cameron?
The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Mount Cameron?
The West Ridge starts at about 12,010 feet, roughly 2,238 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Mount Cameron?
The standard route is the West Ridge. Other routes include the Combo: Decalibron.
Climb Mount Cameron 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