Summer time in Colorado is hiking season, and, more specifically, 14er season. For those new to the Colorado hiking scene and jargon, “bagging a 14er” refers to hiking one of the state’s fifty three 14,000-foot peaks. While this task may seem daunting to those new to the art of climbing Colorado’s highest mountains, Mt. Massive, located in the Sawatch Range, is a great 14er to start ticking off the checklist.
Located just outside of Leadville, the trailhead for Mt. Massive is easy to access from the Front Range, via I-70 and US 24. While Mt. Massive lives up to it’s name as being the second tallest 14er in the state, either of the two ways up described below are designated as Class 2: exposure is pretty minimal. For a longer and more challenging hike that may appeal to a more seasoned hiker, head up the Eastern slope, which is 14.5 miles round trip with 4,500 feet of vertical gain. For those looking to do a shorter out and back day hike with little to no scrambling, hit up the Southwestern slope: 8 miles R/T with 3,950 feet of climbing. The route up the Eastern slope is the traditional route for Mt. Massive before improvements to the Southwestern trail increased the popularity of the shorter approach.
To summit via the Southwestern slope, start at the North Halfmoon Creek Trailhead, off of County Road 11. The trail begins by meandering through pine and aspen forests before the surrounding trees open up to reveal glimpses of the peak at a little over 11,000 feet. At the far side of the meadow, the trail forks, and should be followed to the right where the climbing intensifies and the trail switchbacks through a boulder field. After exiting the boulder field, the trail weaves through a gentler slope above treeline with varying degrees of steepness. Near 14,000 feet, the switchbacks are closer together, and finally snakes northeast towards the summit ridge, at about 14,200 feet. At this point, head to the left, where the summit ridge becomes visible, and the trail from the Eastern Slope joins the path. After weaving through some rockier terrain, the trail opens up and crests a false summit, where the actual summit is finally visible. Follow the trail further as it continues down into the saddle before rising again to the true summit, where nearby peaks of Mt. Elbert and La Plata are visible.
While the hike up the Southwestern slope of Mt. Massive is great for beginners, there are a few rules of thumb when hiking a 14er. Most importantly: start early. Weather in the high country is unpredictable, and anyone attempting a 14er should be heading down from the summit by noon (at the latest) in order to avoid potential afternoon thunderstorms. Depending on the snow pack, June through August is the ideal time to start bagging 14ers, although early and/or late season snow may affect this timeline. Bring layers even if it’s supposed to be a warm day, the top of the mountain is chilly and often windy. After all, the summit is over 14,000 feet high, it’s going to be colder than the parking lot at the trailhead.
Lastly, pack the essentials. Food, water, sunscreen, headlamp, TP, and a trash bag are all important basics for hiking Mt. Massive, or any of the state’s 14ers. While some things, like a headlamp, may seem a bit unnecessary, it’s important to gear up for the unexpected, as the least likely gear might end up being the most important. It’s imperative to note, as well, that all of the peaks for Colorado’s 14ers are found in precious national forest and wilderness areas. These areas are delicate and ecologically significant, and it’s essential to follow leave-no-trace guidelines to keep the wilderness wild.
Additional information about any and all of Colorado’s 14ers can be found at 14ers.com, which has detailed trail information, seasonal closures and notices, and forums featuring any relevant information.
