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13,414 ft · Front Range, Colorado

Mount Wilcox

Mount Wilcox is a 13,414 ft peak in the Front Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Mt. Wilcox East Ridge: 5 mi, 2,195 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Mount Wilcox in the Front Range, Colorado

Mount Wilcox at a glance

  • Elevation13,414 ft4,088 m
  • RouteMt. Wilcox East RidgeClass 2
  • Distance5 mi2,195 ft gain
  • Time4 – 6 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeFront RangeColorado

Climbing the Mt. Wilcox East Ridge

Mount Wilcox sits in the Front Range. The usual ascent is Mt. Wilcox East Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 5.75 miles round-trip with roughly 2,195 ft of gain from about 11,200 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 Wilcox

Peaks near Mount Wilcox

  1. Argentine Peak

    Argentine Peak

    13,743 ft · 1.1 mi away

  2. Square Top Mtn

    Square Top Mtn

    13,799 ft · 1.7 mi away

  3. Mount Edwards

    Mount Edwards

    13,860 ft · 2.4 mi away

  4. Ruby Mtn

    Ruby Mtn

    13,278 ft · 3.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Wilcox?

Mount Wilcox is 13,414 feet (4,088 m) tall. It is in the Front Range, Colorado. It is also known as Wilcox, Mt.

How does Mount Wilcox rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,414 feet, Mount Wilcox is the 261st highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Mount Wilcox?

The Mt. Wilcox East Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 5 miles with 2,195 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Wilcox?

Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Mt. Wilcox East Ridge, covering 5 miles with 2,195 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Mount Wilcox?

The Mt. Wilcox East Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 5 miles with 2,195 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 Wilcox?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Wilcox reaches 13,414 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 Wilcox?

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 Wilcox?

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 Wilcox with Yak

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