- …
- Yak
- Quests
- Colorado 14ers
- Mount Lincoln
14,286 ft · Mosquito Range, Colorado
Mount Lincoln
Mount Lincoln is a 14,286 ft peak in the Mosquito Range, Colorado. The standard route is the West Ridge: 6 mi, 2,600 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Lincoln at a glance
- Elevation14,286 ft4,354 m
- RouteWest RidgeClass 2
- Distance6 mi2,600 ft gain
- Time4 – 6 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeMosquito RangeColorado
Climbing the West Ridge
From Alma, Colorado, take Highway 9 north and turn onto Kite Lake Road. Follow the rough road to the trailhead at Kite Lake. Part of the popular Decalibron loop (Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, Bross). The standard northeast ridge route is Class 2 with loose rock and exposure on the upper ridge. Often the third peak tagged in the loop. Great views of the Mosquito Range from the summit. Start early for weather. High clearance vehicle recommended for the road. Windy conditions common on the exposed ridgeline. One of the easier peaks in the loop.
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
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Storms
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- High winds
- Low visibility
Mount Lincoln on Yak
Climbers have shared 66 climbs of Mount Lincoln on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Mount Lincoln
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Mount Lincoln
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Lincoln?
Mount Lincoln is 14,286 feet (4,354 m) tall. It is in the Mosquito Range, Colorado.
How does Mount Lincoln rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,286 feet, Mount Lincoln is the 8th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Mount Lincoln?
The West Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 6 miles with 2,600 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Lincoln?
Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the West Ridge, covering 6 miles with 2,600 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Mount Lincoln?
The West Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 6 miles with 2,600 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 Lincoln?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Lincoln reaches 14,286 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 Lincoln?
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 Lincoln?
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 Lincoln?
The West Ridge starts at about 12,010 feet, roughly 2,276 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Mount Lincoln?
The standard route is the West Ridge. Other routes include the Combo: Decalibron.
Climb Mount Lincoln 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