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13,799 ft · Front Range, Colorado

Square Top Mtn

Square Top Mtn is a 13,799 ft peak in the Front Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Square Top NW Ridge: 8 mi, 3,145 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Square Top Mtn in the Front Range, Colorado

Square Top Mtn at a glance

  • Elevation13,799 ft4,205 m
  • RouteSquare Top NW RidgeClass 2
  • Distance8 mi3,145 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeFront RangeColorado

Climbing the Square Top NW Ridge

Square Top Mtn sits in the Front Range. The usual ascent is Square Top NW Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 8 miles round-trip with roughly 3,145 ft of gain from about 11,640 ft. Expect high clearance for the drive. 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 Square Top Mtn

Peaks near Square Top Mtn

  1. Argentine Peak

    Argentine Peak

    13,743 ft · 1.5 mi away

  2. Mount Wilcox

    Mount Wilcox

    13,414 ft · 1.7 mi away

  3. Ruby Mtn

    Ruby Mtn

    13,278 ft · 3.1 mi away

  4. Mount Edwards

    Mount Edwards

    13,860 ft · 3.4 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Square Top Mtn?

Square Top Mtn is 13,799 feet (4,205 m) tall. It is in the Front Range, Colorado.

How does Square Top Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,799 feet, Square Top Mtn is the 57th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Square Top Mtn?

The Square Top NW Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 8 miles with 3,145 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Square Top Mtn?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Square Top NW Ridge, covering 8 miles with 3,145 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Square Top Mtn?

The Square Top NW Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 8 miles with 3,145 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 Square Top Mtn?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Square Top Mtn reaches 13,799 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 Square Top 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 Square Top 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 Square Top 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

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