Mount Massive (East Slopes)

Mount Massive is the second-highest peak in Colorado at 14,428 feet, 12 feet lower than Elbert across the valley and with a summit ridge 3 miles long that carries five points above 14,000 feet. The East Slopes route from the Mount Massive trailhead on Halfmoon Road follows the Colorado Trail and then climbs the mountain's broad east side, 13.6 miles round trip with 4,500 feet of gain, on trail the whole way. It sees a fraction of Elbert's traffic.

From the Mount Massive trailhead at about 10,050 feet, follow the Colorado Trail north through lodgepole for about 3 miles, rolling with little net gain, to the signed Mount Massive trail junction. The Massive trail turns west and climbs steadily through the last of the forest into open tundra around 12,000 feet.

The upper trail switchbacks up the east slopes on tundra and talus to a saddle on the summit ridge south of the main summit, then follows the ridge north on rock to the top at 14,428 feet. The ridge is broad and exposed, and in cloud the false points confuse people on the way down. The Southwest Slopes route from the North Halfmoon Creek trailhead, up a 4WD road, is the shorter alternative at about 8 miles with more scrambling. Return the same way.

From Leadville, drive south on US 24 about 4 miles, west on Colorado 300, and south on Halfmoon Road (Lake County Road 11) about 6 miles of gravel to the Mount Massive trailhead, a half mile past the Mount Elbert lot. Passenger cars manage it in summer. The lot is smaller than Elbert's and fills by 6 AM on summer weekends. No fee or permit for day use. Toilet at the trailhead; Halfmoon and Elbert Creek campgrounds are on the road.

Dogs are allowed on leash in the Mount Massive Wilderness, which the route enters above the Colorado Trail. Not a kid hike. Carry three liters; the creeks along the Colorado Trail are the last water. Poles for the descent, a wind layer for the ridge, and a map for the summit ridge in cloud. Leadville, at 10,150 feet, is the place to sleep the night before. The Mount Massive guide covers the route in detail, and Mount Elbert starts a half mile down the same road.