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- North Star Mtn
13,614 ft · Tenmile Range, Colorado
North Star Mtn
North Star Mtn is a 13,614 ft peak in the Tenmile Range, Colorado. The standard route is the North Star East/SE Ridge: 9 mi, 2,490 ft of gain, Class 2.
North Star Mtn at a glance
- Elevation13,614 ft4,149 m
- RouteNorth Star East/SE RidgeClass 2
- Distance9 mi2,490 ft gain
- Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeTenmile RangeColorado
Climbing the North Star East/SE Ridge
North Star Mtn sits in the Tenmile Range. The usual ascent is North Star East/SE Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 9.4 miles round-trip with roughly 2,490 ft of gain from about 11,545 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 (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
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with North Star Mtn
Colorado 13ersPeaks near North Star Mtn
Frequently asked questions
How tall is North Star Mtn?
North Star Mtn is 13,614 feet (4,149 m) tall. It is in the Tenmile Range, Colorado.
How does North Star Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,614 feet, North Star Mtn is the 133rd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to hike North Star Mtn?
The North Star East/SE Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 9 miles with 2,490 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike North Star Mtn?
Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the North Star East/SE Ridge, covering 9 miles with 2,490 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike North Star Mtn?
The North Star East/SE Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 9 miles with 2,490 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 North Star Mtn?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and North Star Mtn reaches 13,614 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 North Star Mtn?
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 North Star Mtn?
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 North Star 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