Elevation
14,098′
Difficulty
Class 3
Distance
22 mi
Elev. gain
5,800′
Nearest town
Aspen
County
Gunnison
Range
Elk
Rank
#32
Snowmass Mountain is one of the most remote Elk Range 14ers, accessible via a long backcountry approach through Snowmass Creek or Lead King Basin. The standard route involves a class 3 summit pitch.
Standard Route
From the Snowmass Creek trailhead, hike 8 miles to Snowmass Lake and camp. From the lake, climb the steep snow couloir (or scree slope in late season) to the summit. 22 miles round trip with multi-day camp, 5,800 feet of gain.
What to Expect
This is a backpack 14er, not a day hike. Plan for at least 2 days. Snowmass Lake is one of Colorado's most beautiful campsites. The summit pitch is class 3 on solid rock.
Related Reading
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