Hiking in the Sawatch Range
14 trails in this Colorado region — with elevation, distance, and seasonal recommendations.
Mount Elbert
Colorado's highest peak offers a challenging but non-technical climb with incredible panoramic views. The standard East Ridge route is the most popular approach.
Mount Massive (Southwest Slopes)
Colorado's second-highest peak via the Colorado Trail approach from the Mount Massive Trailhead. Long, sustained climb through forest to alpine tundra and a broad summit ridge. Less crowded than Elbert across the valley.
Mount Harvard (South Slopes)
Third-highest peak in Colorado via the long but non-technical North Cottonwood Creek approach. Often combined with Mount Columbia for a brutal double-summit traverse. Plan for a 10+ hour day.
Mount Yale (Southwest Slopes)
Popular Collegiate Peak with a steep but straightforward Class 2 standard route from the Denny Creek Trailhead. The summit views span the Arkansas Valley and the rest of the Collegiate Peaks.
Mount Princeton (East Slopes)
Class 2 route that starts on a rough 4WD road. High-clearance vehicles can drive partway, otherwise add 6 miles of road walking. The upper mountain is a wide, talus-covered ridge.
La Plata Peak (Northwest Ridge)
Colorado's 5th highest peak with a Class 2 standard route from the South Fork Lake Creek Trailhead. Steep, sustained climb on a well-defined trail. One of the most accessible Sawatch 14ers.
Mount Belford and Mount Oxford
Classic Sawatch double 14er from the Missouri Gulch trailhead. Belford comes first, then a 600-foot drop and re-climb gets you Oxford. Some hikers add Missouri Mountain for a triple.
Missouri Mountain (Northwest Ridge)
Class 2 route from Missouri Gulch with a narrow but non-technical summit ridge. Often combined with Belford and Oxford for a triple 14er day from the same trailhead.
Mount Antero (West Slopes)
Famous for aquamarine mining at high elevation. Long approach via 4WD road, then steep alpine route. High-clearance vehicles can shorten the day significantly.
Mount Shavano and Tabeguache Peak
Class 2 double 14er from Blank Gulch Trailhead. Shavano comes first; Tabeguache requires a 500-foot drop and re-climb. The Angel of Shavano snow couloir is visible from town in spring.
Huron Peak (Northwest Slopes)
Often called the most scenic Sawatch 14er. Class 1-2 route from the Huron Peak Trailhead through alpine meadows. Views of the Three Apostles (13ers) from the summit are spectacular.
Mount of the Holy Cross (North Ridge)
Named for the cross-shaped snow couloir visible in spring. Standard route crosses Half Moon Pass (twice: once on the way in, once on the way out), making this one of the harder 14er days for the distance.
Mount Columbia (West Slopes)
Often combined with Mount Harvard via a long, scree-laden ridge traverse. The standalone West Slopes route is steep and direct from the North Cottonwood Creek trailhead.
Independence Lake Trail
Short hike off Independence Pass to a high alpine lake at the head of the Roaring Fork. Easy access for the elevation, gorgeous wildflowers in July. Trailhead parking is small.