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- Mount White
13,657 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado
Mount White
Mount White is a 13,657 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Mt. White SW Ridge: 2 mi, 850 ft of gain, Class 2.

Mount White at a glance
- Elevation13,657 ft4,162 m
- RouteMt. White SW RidgeClass 2
- Distance2 mi850 ft gain
- Time2 – 4 hrsModerate effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSawatch RangeColorado
Climbing the Mt. White SW Ridge
Mount White sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Mt. White SW Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 2.2 miles round-trip with roughly 850 ft of gain from about 9,540 ft. Expect a rough 4WD approach road. 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. Carry extra water above treeline.
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 White
Peaks near Mount White
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount White?
Mount White is 13,657 feet (4,162 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. It is also known as White, Mt.
How does Mount White rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,657 feet, Mount White is the 115th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to hike Mount White?
The Mt. White SW Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 2 miles with 850 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount White?
Most people take 2 – 4 hours round trip on the Mt. White SW Ridge, covering 2 miles with 850 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Mount White?
Usually, if you are fit. The Mt. White SW Ridge is a common first summit for hikers ready for 2 – 4 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
Will you get altitude sickness on Mount White?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount White reaches 13,657 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 White?
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 White?
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 White 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



