Yak logoYAK
  1. …
  2. Yak
  3. Quests
  4. Colorado 13ers
  5. Pagoda Mtn

13,488 ft · Front Range, Colorado

Pagoda Mtn

Pagoda Mtn is a 13,488 ft peak in the Front Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Black Lake Access: 14 mi, 4,315 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado 13ers
Pagoda Mtn in the Front Range, Colorado

Pagoda Mtn at a glance

  • Elevation13,488 ft4,111 m
  • RouteBlack Lake AccessClass 2
  • Distance14 mi4,315 ft gain
  • Time10 – 12 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeFront RangeColorado

Climbing the Black Lake Access

Pagoda Mtn sits in the Front Range. The usual ascent is Black Lake Access, rated Class 2. Plan about 14.8 miles round-trip with roughly 4,315 ft of gain from about 9,185 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 Pagoda Mtn

Peaks near Pagoda Mtn

  1. Longs Peak

    Longs Peak

    14,259 ft · 0.7 mi away

  2. Chiefs Head Peak

    Chiefs Head Peak

    13,577 ft · 0.8 mi away

  3. Mount Meeker

    Mount Meeker

    13,916 ft · 1.1 mi away

  4. McHenrys Peak

    McHenrys Peak

    13,330 ft · 1.9 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Pagoda Mtn?

Pagoda Mtn is 13,488 feet (4,111 m) tall. It is in the Front Range, Colorado.

How does Pagoda Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,488 feet, Pagoda Mtn is the 213th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Pagoda Mtn?

The Black Lake Access is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 14 miles with 4,315 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Pagoda Mtn?

Most people take 10 – 12 hours round trip on the Black Lake Access, covering 14 miles with 4,315 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Pagoda Mtn?

The Black Lake Access needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 14 miles with 4,315 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 Pagoda Mtn?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Pagoda Mtn reaches 13,488 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 Pagoda Mtn?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 10 – 12 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Pagoda 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 Pagoda 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

App StoreGoogle Play