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13,675 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Mount Jackson

Mount Jackson is a 13,675 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Mt. Jackson North Ridge: 16 mi, 6,150 ft of gain, Class 2.

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

Mount Jackson at a glance

  • Elevation13,675 ft4,168 m
  • RouteMt. Jackson North RidgeClass 2
  • Distance16 mi6,150 ft gain
  • Time11 – 13 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Mt. Jackson North Ridge

Mount Jackson sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Mt. Jackson North Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 16 miles round-trip with roughly 6,150 ft of gain from about 8,200 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 (55–75 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 Jackson

Peaks near Mount Jackson

  1. Gold Dust Peak

    Gold Dust Peak

    13,398 ft · 3.1 mi away

  2. Pika Peak

    Pika Peak

    13,130 ft · 3.2 mi away

  3. Mount of the Holy Cross

    Mount of the Holy Cross

    14,005 ft · 3.2 mi away

  4. Holy Cross Ridge

    Holy Cross Ridge

    13,850 ft · 3.3 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Jackson?

Mount Jackson is 13,675 feet (4,168 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. It is also known as Jackson, Mt.

How does Mount Jackson rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,675 feet, Mount Jackson is the 107th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Mount Jackson?

The Mt. Jackson North Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 16 miles with 6,150 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Jackson?

Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Mt. Jackson North Ridge, covering 16 miles with 6,150 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Mount Jackson?

The Mt. Jackson North Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 16 miles with 6,150 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 Jackson?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Jackson reaches 13,675 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 Jackson?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 11 – 13 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Mount Jackson?

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 Jackson 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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