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- Mount Cleveland
10,466 ft · Lewis Range, Montana
Mount Cleveland
Mount Cleveland is a 10,466 ft peak in the Lewis Range, Montana. The standard route is the South Ridge Route: 7 mi, 3,839 ft of gain, Class 4.
Mount Cleveland at a glance
- Elevation10,466 ft3,190 m
- RouteSouth Ridge RouteClass 4
- Distance7 mi3,839 ft gain
- Time8 – 12 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeLewis RangeMontana
Climbing the South Ridge Route
Mount Cleveland is the highest peak in Glacier National Park, Montana, typically approached from the Chief Mountain Trailhead via the Belly River, often boating across Waterton Lake. This is a multi-day Class 4 climb with steep exposure, rockfall, and loose rock on the long summit face. Snow and ice linger through the season, and storms, wind, and low visibility are serious hazards. Grizzly bears are present, and backcountry permits are required. Wear a helmet, carry navigation, and build in weather days. This is a remote, committing route best for experienced parties, not a casual summit attempt.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (55–75 L)
Hiking Boots
Helmet
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Hardshell Pants
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Heavyweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
Headlamp
GPS Device
Satellite Communicator
Power Bank
Offline Maps- Compass
- Paper Map
Water
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Whistle
Emergency Bivy
Sleeping Bag (20°F to 32°F)
Sleeping Pad
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Rockfall
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Technical climbing
- High winds
- Storms
- Low visibility
- Remote location
- Stream crossing
- Glacier travel
- Avalanches
- High altitude
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Mount Cleveland
Lower 48 UltrasFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Cleveland?
Mount Cleveland is 10,466 feet (3,190 m) tall. It is in the Lewis Range, Montana.
How hard is it to climb Mount Cleveland?
The South Ridge Route is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 7 miles with 3,839 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Mount Cleveland?
Most people take 8 – 12 hours round trip on the South Ridge Route, covering 7 miles with 3,839 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Mount Cleveland dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: avalanche and icefall danger, crevasses on the glacier and exposed sections where a fall would be serious. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need a helmet for Mount Cleveland?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the South Ridge Route, so a helmet is on the gear list.
What time should you start climbing Mount Cleveland?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 8 – 12 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Mount Cleveland?
The usual climbing window is July 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 Cleveland?
The South Ridge Route starts at about 6,900 feet, roughly 3,566 feet below the summit.
Climb Mount Cleveland 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