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13,860 ft · Front Range, Colorado

Mount Edwards

Mount Edwards is a 13,860 ft peak in the Front Range, Colorado. The standard route is the East Drainage: 3 mi, 2,355 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado Centennials
Mount Edwards in the Front Range, Colorado

Mount Edwards at a glance

  • Elevation13,860 ft4,224 m
  • RouteEast DrainageClass 2
  • Distance3 mi2,355 ft gain
  • Time3 – 5 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Sep
  • RangeFront RangeColorado

Climbing the East Drainage

From Georgetown, take the Guanella Pass Road (Highway 381) south and turn onto Leavenworth Creek Road (FR 248) toward the old Waldorf Mine; high clearance is recommended. Park near Waldorf and climb the east drainage on Class 2 talus and tundra to the ridge between Edwards and McClellan, then follow it to Edwards's summit. Mount McClellan pairs easily along the ridge. The high trailhead makes this short, but winds are strong on the Divide. Start early for storms. Old mine sites and claims line the road near Waldorf.

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 Edwards

Peaks near Mount Edwards

  1. Grays Peak

    Grays Peak

    14,278 ft · 1.3 mi away

  2. Torreys Peak

    Torreys Peak

    14,267 ft · 1.5 mi away

  3. Kelso Mtn

    Kelso Mtn

    13,172 ft · 1.6 mi away

  4. Ruby Mtn

    Ruby Mtn

    13,278 ft · 1.8 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Edwards?

Mount Edwards is 13,860 feet (4,224 m) tall. It is in the Front Range, Colorado.

How does Mount Edwards rank among the Colorado Centennials?

At 13,860 feet, Mount Edwards is the 82nd highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.

How hard is it to hike Mount Edwards?

The East Drainage 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 2,355 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Edwards?

Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the East Drainage, covering 3 miles with 2,355 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Mount Edwards?

The East Drainage needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 3 miles with 2,355 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 Edwards?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Edwards reaches 13,860 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 Edwards?

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 Edwards?

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 Edwards 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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