Hiking To The Summit of Mount Massive

Learn about hiking to the summit of Mt. Massive 14er, including the distance, detailed map, elevation gain, wildlife, treeline, trailhead location, recommended gear, and where to stay.

Nestled in the heart of Colorado’s Sawatch Range just west of Leadville, Colorado, Mount Massive is a magnet for avid hikers and nature lovers.

At 14,421 feet, it is the 2nd-highest peak in Colorado and the 3rd-highest peak in the contiguous United States. Mt. Massive offers breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and a rewarding challenge for those who seek to conquer its summit. The hike is 13 miles long and will take 6 to 10 hours, depending on your ability.

Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or a casual hiker looking for a new adventure, Mount Massive promises an unforgettable experience.

Watch the video below to learn more about hiking to the summit of Mt. Massive.

• Mileage: 13 mile hike
• Elevation Gain: 4,562 ft
• Time: 6 hours to 10 hours to hike Mt. Massive, depending on your ability
• Type of Hike: Out and Back
• Things To Consider: Start early in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms on the summit
• Notes: The best time to hike is mid-June to mid-September

Mount Massive is located in the San Isabel National Forest, near the town of Leadville, Colorado.

To reach the trailhead, drive west on County Road 2 from Leadville for about 3.5 miles, then turn left onto Forest Service Road 110. Continue for approximately 7 miles to reach the North Halfmoon Creek Trailhead, one of the most popular starting points for the hike.

About a half mile before the Mt Massive trailhead on your left, you will see the Mt Elbert trailhead, which leads to the summit of Mt Elbert. Mt Elber is another 14er that is worth the hike.

Ensure your vehicle is suitable for dirt road terrain. The dirt road is maintained and in good condition.

There are a few different routes to the summit, each offering its own unique experience:

1. Mount Massive Trail (this is the hike we did): The standard route is approximately 13 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of about 4,500 feet. It starts at the North Halfmoon Creek Trailhead and offers a gradual ascent, making it a popular choice for hikers.
2. Southwest Slopes: This route is shorter, about 8 miles round trip, but steeper than the standard route. It begins at the trailhead, which is further up Halfmoon Rd, and is recommended for those seeking a more challenging climb.
3. East Ridge: Starting from the Fish Hatchery, this is a less-traveled path, spanning approximately 14 miles round trip. It offers solitude and stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Terrain and Scenery

Mount Massive lives up to its name with its expansive summit ridge, which contains multiple summits over 14,000 feet. As you ascend, you’ll traverse through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rocky terrains. The higher you climb, the more panoramic the views become, with sweeping vistas of the surrounding peaks and the Twin Lakes.

Wildlife

The area is teeming with wildlife, including marmots, pikas, mountain goats, and occasionally black bears. Birdwatchers can also spot various alpine species soaring above.

On our hike to the summit of Mt Massive, we saw marmots, a mountain goat, and birds.

Weather Considerations

Weather in the Rockies can be unpredictable, especially at high altitudes. It’s crucial to start your hike early in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in the summer months. Always check the weather forecast before your trip and be prepared for sudden changes.

Standing atop Mount Massive, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Rockies, including neighboring fourteeners like Mt Elbert and expansive wilderness.

You can see the town of Leadville, Colorado, and Turquoise Lake from the summit.

Take a moment to soak it all in and capture some photos before beginning your descent.

There are tons of places to camp between the trailhead of Mt. Massive and on Halfmoon when the pavement turns to dirt.

You can tent camp, or if you have an RV or travel trailer, you can boondock in one of the many places to camp.

Our favorite place to stay when visiting Leadville, Colorado, is the Sugar Loafin Campground. The drive from the Sugar Loafin Campground to the Mt. Massive Trailhead is about 20 minutes.

At Sugar Loafin, they have 30-amp and 50-amp RV hookups and tent camping. There are bathrooms, showers, and a laundry facility.

Hiking Mt. Massive has been one of our all-time favorite 14er hikes! Tyler & Mimi

• Hike other 14ers in the area. Mount Elbert is another must-do 14er near Mount Massive.
• Explore Leadville, Colorado. Leadville is a captivating town nestled high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Known as the “Highest Incorporated City in the United States,” it boasts a rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a unique charm that draws visitors from far and wide.
• Learn about the history of mining at the National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum in Leadville.
• Drive the Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway, which takes you through multiple towns and has excellent mountain views. This road is open from Memorial Day weekend to early Fall.
• Ride a bike on the Mineral Belt Trail, an 11.6-mile path that includes an outdoor museum showcasing the area’s mining history. You can rent a bike, or if you need cycling supplies, visit Cycles of Life.

If you liked this hike to the summit of Mt. Massive 14er, check out the link below for some other hikes you may also like.

SIMPLY CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie is our favorite sun hoodie and was perfect for the hike up to the summit of Mt Massive.

We love our Black Diamond Trekking poles. They are lightweight and compact, and they are perfect for hiking up to the summit of Mt Massive.

Hoka Stinson’s are our favorite trail running and hiking shoes, and they were perfect for the hike up to the summit of Mt Massive.

When using trekking poles, the tops of your hands will get beat up by the sun. Furthermore, it is nice to have gloves on when using trekking poles. Outdoor Research Activeice Sun Gloves are our favorite sun gloves and were perfect for the hike up to the summit of Mt Massive.

The Osprey Talon 11L is the perfect day hiking pack for carrying a water bladder, a hand-held water bottle, all your clothing, food, trekking poles, and camera gear. It was also the perfect backpack for the hike up to the summit of Mt Massive.

Fuel and hydration are key in a successful hike to the summit of Mt Whitney. Tailwinds Endurance Fuel is our go-to drink for hydration, electrolytes, and fuel to keep us going while on the trail. Tailwinds was the perfect drink for the hike up to the summit of Mt Massive.

Capturing the moment is a must while on an epic adventure. The GoPro is our go-to video camera. It is easy to use for video and pictures with its voice command while on the trail. The GoPro was the perfect setup for the hike up to the summit of Mt Massive.

Having a quality camera helps capture epic pictures. Although not inexpensive, the Sony RX100 is worth the cost. It is compact and lightweight, and it beats carrying a full-body camera for a long hike. The Sony RX100 is our go-to camera and was the perfect setup for the hike up to the summit of Mt Massive.

Our go-to tripod while out on the trail. The perfect setup for GoPro and the hike up to the summit of Mt Massive.

ND filters are helpful on sunny days to capture great footage. The perfect setup for GoPro and the hike up to the summit of Mt Massive.

The Garmin Enduro is our go-to watch for long hikes and backpacking trips. Power Glass solar charging lens harvests the sun’s energy, giving you more power and time between charges

Heading out for an ultra run or a hike takes planning and the proper clothes, equipment, and nutrition.

There is nothing worse than finding out you forgot something.

Having a checklist of your essential items is very helpful in setting yourself up for success when hitting the trail.

Below is a link to our essential hiking and ultra-running gear checklist. We print out and check off the items before heading out the door for each adventure.