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13,939 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Mount Hope

Mount Hope is a 13,939 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the East Ridge via Sheep Gulch: 7 mi, 4,955 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado Centennials
Mount Hope in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Mount Hope at a glance

  • Elevation13,939 ft4,248 m
  • RouteEast Ridge via Sheep GulchClass 2
  • Distance7 mi4,955 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the East Ridge via Sheep Gulch

From US 24 between Leadville and Buena Vista, take CR 390 (Clear Creek Road) west about 9 miles to the Sheep Gulch Trailhead; passenger cars are fine. Cross Clear Creek, then climb the relentlessly steep Sheep Gulch trail to the saddle with Quail Mountain. Follow Hope's east ridge on Class 2 talus to the summit. Gain is nearly 5,000 feet in just over 7 miles, so pace yourself. The creek crossing can be high in early season. Start early to be off the ridge before storms. Primitive campsites line CR 390 on the drive in.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (35–55 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
  • Stream crossing
  • Storms
  • High winds

Quests with Mount Hope

Peaks near Mount Hope

  1. Quail Mtn

    Quail Mtn

    13,465 ft · 1.4 mi away

  2. Rinker Peak

    Rinker Peak

    13,789 ft · 1.5 mi away

  3. Ervin Peak

    Ervin Peak

    13,538 ft · 1.6 mi away

  4. Mount Blaurock

    Mount Blaurock

    13,626 ft · 1.9 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Hope?

Mount Hope is 13,939 feet (4,248 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Mount Hope rank among the Colorado Centennials?

At 13,939 feet, Mount Hope is the 64th highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.

How hard is it to hike Mount Hope?

The East Ridge via Sheep Gulch is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 7 miles with 4,955 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Hope?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the East Ridge via Sheep Gulch, covering 7 miles with 4,955 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Mount Hope?

The East Ridge via Sheep Gulch needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 7 miles with 4,955 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 Hope?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Hope reaches 13,939 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 Hope?

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 Hope?

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 Hope 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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