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13,144 ft · Elk Mountains, Colorado

Willoughby Mtn

Willoughby Mtn is a 13,144 ft peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Willoughby Mtn. East Face: 10 mi, 4,740 ft of gain, Class 2.

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

Willoughby Mtn at a glance

  • Elevation13,144 ft4,006 m
  • RouteWilloughby Mtn. East FaceClass 2
  • Distance10 mi4,740 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeElk MountainsColorado

Climbing the Willoughby Mtn. East Face

Willoughby Mtn sits in the Elk Mountains. The usual ascent is Willoughby Mtn. East Face, rated Class 2. Plan about 10.1 miles round-trip with roughly 4,740 ft of gain from about 8,400 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 Willoughby Mtn

Peaks near Willoughby Mtn

  1. UN 13255

    UN 13255

    13,255 ft · 1.5 mi away

  2. UN 13350

    UN 13350

    13,350 ft · 1.8 mi away

  3. Buckskin BM

    Buckskin BM

    13,381 ft · 2.0 mi away

  4. UN 13067

    UN 13067

    13,067 ft · 3.1 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Willoughby Mtn?

Willoughby Mtn is 13,144 feet (4,006 m) tall. It is in the Elk Mountains, Colorado.

How does Willoughby Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,144 feet, Willoughby Mtn is the 479th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Willoughby Mtn?

The Willoughby Mtn. East Face is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 10 miles with 4,740 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Willoughby Mtn?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Willoughby Mtn. East Face, covering 10 miles with 4,740 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Willoughby Mtn?

The Willoughby Mtn. East Face needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 10 miles with 4,740 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 Willoughby Mtn?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Willoughby Mtn reaches 13,144 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 Willoughby 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 Willoughby 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 Willoughby 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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