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13,361 ft · Gore Range, Colorado

Mount Silverthorne

Mount Silverthorne is a 13,361 ft peak in the Gore Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Willow BM/Mt. Silverthorne S Ridge & Couloir: 16 mi, 7,075 ft of gain, Class 2.

Mount Silverthorne in the Gore Range, Colorado

Mount Silverthorne at a glance

  • Elevation13,361 ft4,072 m
  • RouteWillow BM/Mt. Silverthorne S Ridge & CouloirClass 2
  • Distance16 mi7,075 ft gain
  • Time12 – 14 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeGore RangeColorado

Climbing the Willow BM/Mt. Silverthorne S Ridge & Couloir

Mount Silverthorne sits in the Gore Range. The usual ascent is Willow BM/Mt. Silverthorne S Ridge & Couloir, rated Class 2. Plan about 16 miles round-trip with roughly 7,075 ft of gain from about 8,710 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 Silverthorne

Peaks near Mount Silverthorne

  1. Red Peak

    Red Peak

    13,186 ft · 1.6 mi away

  2. Snow Peak

    Snow Peak

    13,039 ft · 1.6 mi away

  3. Mount Valhalla

    Mount Valhalla

    13,202 ft · 1.6 mi away

  4. Grand Traverse Peak

    Grand Traverse Peak

    13,063 ft · 2.5 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Silverthorne?

Mount Silverthorne is 13,361 feet (4,072 m) tall. It is in the Gore Range, Colorado. It is also known as Silverthorne, Mt.

How does Mount Silverthorne rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,361 feet, Mount Silverthorne is the 294th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Mount Silverthorne?

The Willow BM/Mt. Silverthorne S Ridge & Couloir 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 7,075 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Silverthorne?

Most people take 12 – 14 hours round trip on the Willow BM/Mt. Silverthorne S Ridge & Couloir, covering 16 miles with 7,075 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Mount Silverthorne?

The Willow BM/Mt. Silverthorne S Ridge & Couloir needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 16 miles with 7,075 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 Silverthorne?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Silverthorne reaches 13,361 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 Silverthorne?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 12 – 14 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Mount Silverthorne?

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 Silverthorne 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