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13,645 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Mount Champion

Mount Champion is a 13,645 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Mt. Champion South Slopes: 4 mi, 2,845 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado 13ers
Mount Champion in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Mount Champion at a glance

  • Elevation13,645 ft4,158 m
  • RouteMt. Champion South SlopesClass 2
  • Distance4 mi2,845 ft gain
  • Time4 – 6 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Mt. Champion South Slopes

Mount Champion sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Mt. Champion South Slopes, rated Class 2. Plan about 4.2 miles round-trip with roughly 2,845 ft of gain from about 10,794 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. 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 Champion

Peaks near Mount Champion

  1. UN 13738

    UN 13738

    13,738 ft · 0.6 mi away

  2. Deer Mtn

    Deer Mtn

    13,763 ft · 1.7 mi away

  3. K 49

    K 49

    13,543 ft · 1.8 mi away

  4. UN 13541

    UN 13541

    13,541 ft · 2.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Champion?

Mount Champion is 13,645 feet (4,158 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. It is also known as Champion, Mt.

How does Mount Champion rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,645 feet, Mount Champion is the 119th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Mount Champion?

The Mt. Champion South Slopes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 4 miles with 2,845 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Champion?

Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Mt. Champion South Slopes, covering 4 miles with 2,845 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Mount Champion?

The Mt. Champion South Slopes needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 4 miles with 2,845 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 Champion?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Champion reaches 13,645 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 Champion?

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 Champion?

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 Champion 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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