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- Mount Massive
14,428 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado
Mount Massive
Mount Massive is a 14,428 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the East Slopes: 13 mi, 4,500 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Massive at a glance
- Elevation14,428 ft4,397 m
- RouteEast SlopesClass 2
- Distance13 mi4,500 ft gain
- Time8 – 12 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeSawatch RangeColorado
Climbing the East Slopes
From Leadville, Colorado, take Highway 24 south and turn onto Half Moon Road. Follow the road to the trailhead at the campground. Good trail with steady grades through forest before emerging into alpine terrain. Colorado's second highest peak with a very long summit ridge. Multiple false summits can be frustrating. Start early for weather. Class 2 terrain throughout with some loose rock on the upper mountain. Less crowded than nearby Mount Elbert. The summit offers excellent views of the Sawatch Range and beyond. Snow lingers late on the north-facing slopes.
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
- Storms
- Low visibility
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- High winds
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
Mount Massive on Yak
Climbers have shared 31 climbs of Mount Massive on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Mount Massive
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Mount Massive
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Massive?
Mount Massive is 14,428 feet (4,397 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.
How does Mount Massive rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,428 feet, Mount Massive is the 2nd highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Mount Massive?
The East Slopes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 13 miles with 4,500 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Massive?
Most people take 8 – 12 hours round trip on the East Slopes, covering 13 miles with 4,500 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Mount Massive?
The East Slopes needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 13 miles with 4,500 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 Massive?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Massive reaches 14,428 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 Massive?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 8 – 12 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike Mount Massive?
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 Massive?
The East Slopes starts at about 10,060 feet, roughly 4,368 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Mount Massive?
The standard route is the East Slopes. Other routes include the Southwest Slopes.
Climb Mount Massive 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