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13,202 ft · Gore Range, Colorado

Mount Valhalla

Mount Valhalla is a 13,202 ft peak in the Gore Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Mt. Valhalla West Ridge: 12 mi, 5,225 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Mount Valhalla in the Gore Range, Colorado

Mount Valhalla at a glance

  • Elevation13,202 ft4,023 m
  • RouteMt. Valhalla West RidgeClass 2
  • Distance12 mi5,225 ft gain
  • Time9 – 11 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeGore RangeColorado

Climbing the Mt. Valhalla West Ridge

Mount Valhalla sits in the Gore Range. The usual ascent is Mt. Valhalla West Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 12.25 miles round-trip with roughly 5,225 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 (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 Valhalla

Peaks near Mount Valhalla

  1. Snow Peak

    Snow Peak

    13,039 ft · 0.8 mi away

  2. Grand Traverse Peak

    Grand Traverse Peak

    13,063 ft · 0.9 mi away

  3. North Traverse Peak

    North Traverse Peak

    13,085 ft · 1.3 mi away

  4. Mount Silverthorne

    Mount Silverthorne

    13,361 ft · 1.6 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Valhalla?

Mount Valhalla is 13,202 feet (4,023 m) tall. It is in the Gore Range, Colorado. It is also known as Valhalla, Mt.

How does Mount Valhalla rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,202 feet, Mount Valhalla is the 437th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Mount Valhalla?

The Mt. Valhalla West Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 12 miles with 5,225 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Valhalla?

Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the Mt. Valhalla West Ridge, covering 12 miles with 5,225 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Mount Valhalla?

The Mt. Valhalla West Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 12 miles with 5,225 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 Valhalla?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Valhalla reaches 13,202 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 Valhalla?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 9 – 11 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Mount Valhalla?

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 Valhalla 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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