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13,523 ft · Elk Mountains, Colorado

White Rock Mtn

White Rock Mtn is a 13,523 ft peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the White Rock Mtn. SE Face: 8 mi, 3,200 ft of gain, Class 3.

Plan this climbView Colorado 13ers
White Rock Mtn in the Elk Mountains, Colorado

White Rock Mtn at a glance

  • Elevation13,523 ft4,121 m
  • RouteWhite Rock Mtn. SE FaceClass 3
  • Distance8 mi3,200 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeElk MountainsColorado

Climbing the White Rock Mtn. SE Face

White Rock Mtn sits in the Elk Mountains. The usual ascent is White Rock Mtn. SE Face, rated Class 3. Plan about 8 miles round-trip with roughly 3,200 ft of gain from about 10,085 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 White Rock Mtn

Peaks near White Rock Mtn

  1. White BM

    White BM

    13,411 ft · 0.5 mi away

  2. Triangle Peak

    Triangle Peak

    13,405 ft · 1.4 mi away

  3. UN 13214

    UN 13214

    13,214 ft · 1.8 mi away

  4. UN 13173

    UN 13173

    13,173 ft · 2.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is White Rock Mtn?

White Rock Mtn is 13,523 feet (4,121 m) tall. It is in the Elk Mountains, Colorado.

How does White Rock Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,523 feet, White Rock Mtn is the 188th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to climb White Rock Mtn?

The White Rock Mtn. SE Face is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 8 miles with 3,200 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb White Rock Mtn?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the White Rock Mtn. SE Face, covering 8 miles with 3,200 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Is White Rock 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 White Rock Mtn?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the White Rock Mtn. SE Face, so a helmet is on the gear list.

Will you get altitude sickness on White Rock Mtn?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and White Rock Mtn reaches 13,523 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 White Rock 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 climb White Rock 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 White Rock 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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