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13,580 ft · Front Range, Colorado

Mount Parnassus

Mount Parnassus is a 13,580 ft peak in the Front Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Watrous Gulch Approach: 7 mi, 3,275 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Mount Parnassus in the Front Range, Colorado

Mount Parnassus at a glance

  • Elevation13,580 ft4,139 m
  • RouteWatrous Gulch ApproachClass 2
  • Distance7 mi3,275 ft gain
  • Time5 – 7 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeFront RangeColorado

Climbing the Watrous Gulch Approach

Mount Parnassus sits in the Front Range. The usual ascent is Watrous Gulch Approach, rated Class 2. Plan about 7 miles round-trip with roughly 3,275 ft of gain from about 10,310 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 (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

  • Storms
  • High altitude
  • Route-finding difficulty

Quests with Mount Parnassus

Peaks near Mount Parnassus

  1. Bard Peak

    Bard Peak

    13,641 ft · 1.0 mi away

  2. Engelmann Peak

    Engelmann Peak

    13,370 ft · 2.1 mi away

  3. Mount Sniktau

    Mount Sniktau

    13,239 ft · 3.4 mi away

  4. Hassell Peak

    Hassell Peak

    13,223 ft · 3.5 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Parnassus?

Mount Parnassus is 13,580 feet (4,139 m) tall. It is in the Front Range, Colorado. It is also known as Parnassus, Mt.

How does Mount Parnassus rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,580 feet, Mount Parnassus is the 145th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Mount Parnassus?

The Watrous Gulch Approach 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 3,275 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Parnassus?

Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Watrous Gulch Approach, covering 7 miles with 3,275 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Mount Parnassus?

The Watrous Gulch Approach needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 7 miles with 3,275 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 Parnassus?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Parnassus reaches 13,580 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 Parnassus?

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 Parnassus?

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 Parnassus 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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