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14,073 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado
Mount Columbia
Mount Columbia is a 14,073 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the West Slopes: 12 mi, 4,250 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Columbia at a glance
- Elevation14,073 ft4,289 m
- RouteWest SlopesClass 2
- Distance12 mi4,250 ft gain
- Time7 – 10 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeSawatch RangeColorado
Climbing the West Slopes
From Buena Vista, Colorado, take Highway 24 south to the Frenchman Creek Road. High clearance or 4WD helpful for the rough road sections. The trail has been rebuilt in recent years to reduce erosion on the approach. Still a stout ascent with significant elevation gain. Often combined with Mount Harvard via the connecting ridge for very strong parties, though this makes for a very long day. Start early for afternoon weather. Class 2 terrain with some loose rock on the upper mountain. One of the higher but less-visited Sawatch 14ers.
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
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Storms
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- High winds
- Low visibility
Mount Columbia on Yak
Climbers have shared 21 climbs of Mount Columbia on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Mount Columbia
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Mount Columbia
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Columbia?
Mount Columbia is 14,073 feet (4,289 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.
How does Mount Columbia rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,073 feet, Mount Columbia is the 37th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Mount Columbia?
The West Slopes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 12 miles with 4,250 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Columbia?
Most people take 7 – 10 hours round trip on the West Slopes, covering 12 miles with 4,250 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Mount Columbia?
The West Slopes needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 12 miles with 4,250 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 Columbia?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Columbia reaches 14,073 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 Columbia?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 7 – 10 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike Mount Columbia?
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 Columbia?
The West Slopes starts at about 9,890 feet, roughly 4,183 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Mount Columbia?
The standard route is the West Slopes. Other routes include the Combo: Harvard and Columbia Traverse and the Via Horn Fork Basin Trail.
Climb Mount Columbia 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