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13,556 ft · Gore Range, Colorado

Mount Powell

Mount Powell is a 13,556 ft peak in the Gore Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Mount Powell South Ridge: 11 mi, 4,210 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Mount Powell in the Gore Range, Colorado

Mount Powell at a glance

  • Elevation13,556 ft4,131 m
  • RouteMount Powell South RidgeClass 2
  • Distance11 mi4,210 ft gain
  • Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeGore RangeColorado

Climbing the Mount Powell South Ridge

Mount Powell sits in the Gore Range. The usual ascent is Mount Powell South Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 11.6 miles round-trip with roughly 4,210 ft of gain from about 9,360 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 (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

  • Storms
  • High altitude
  • Route-finding difficulty

Quests with Mount Powell

Peaks near Mount Powell

  1. Eagles Nest

    Eagles Nest

    13,419 ft · 1.1 mi away

  2. Pk G

    Pk G

    13,306 ft · 2.2 mi away

  3. Pk Q

    Pk Q

    13,239 ft · 4.0 mi away

  4. Pk R

    Pk R

    13,000 ft · 4.3 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Powell?

Mount Powell is 13,556 feet (4,131 m) tall. It is in the Gore Range, Colorado. It is also known as Powell, Mt.

How does Mount Powell rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,556 feet, Mount Powell is the 163rd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Mount Powell?

The Mount Powell South Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 11 miles with 4,210 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Powell?

Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Mount Powell South Ridge, covering 11 miles with 4,210 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Mount Powell?

The Mount Powell South Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 11 miles with 4,210 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 Powell?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Powell reaches 13,556 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 Powell?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 8 – 10 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Mount Powell?

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 Powell 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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