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13,365 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado
Music Mtn
Music Mtn is a 13,365 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Music Mountain East Ridge: 10 mi, 2,995 ft of gain, Class 3.
Music Mtn at a glance
- Elevation13,365 ft4,073 m
- RouteMusic Mountain East RidgeClass 3
- Distance10 mi2,995 ft gain
- Time8 – 10 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado
Climbing the Music Mountain East Ridge
Music Mtn sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is Music Mountain East Ridge, rated Class 3. Plan about 10.2 miles round-trip with roughly 2,995 ft of gain from about 10,680 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. A helmet is wise on loose Class 3 sections.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (30–40 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
Helmet
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Music Mtn
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Music Mtn
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Music Mtn?
Music Mtn is 13,365 feet (4,073 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.
How does Music Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,365 feet, Music Mtn is the 292nd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Music Mtn?
The Music Mountain East Ridge is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 10 miles with 2,995 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Music Mtn?
Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Music Mountain East Ridge, covering 10 miles with 2,995 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Music Mtn dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a helmet for Music Mtn?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Music Mountain East Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on Music Mtn?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Music Mtn reaches 13,365 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 climbing Music Mtn?
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 climb Music Mtn?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Music Mtn 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