How did Mount Massive get its name? While the mountain might not be the tallest in Colorado (nearby Mount Elbert is 12 feet higher), it takes a close second. As far as 14ers go, Mount Massive actually has five summits above 14,000 feet in elevation, the highest of which clocks in at 14,421 feet.
To experience the full weight of Mount Massive, there is a three-mile long summit ridge that traverses all five summits. Another Mt. Massive claim-to-fame is that it has more area above 14,000 feet than any other mountain in the lower 48. Massive for sure!
Mount Massive Trail Route Options
Colorado’s second-highest fourteener is located within the Mount Massive Wilderness of San Isabel National Forest. Thanks to its bulky stature and sweeping slopes, it is a relatively non-technical climb.
There are two routes to the summit of Mount Massive:
- Colorado Trail Segment 10 to Mt. Massive Trail #1487
- North Halfmoon Creek Trail to South Mt. Massive Trail #1451
North Halfmoon Creek Trail to South Mount Massive Trail
To get to the North Halfmoon Creek Trailhead, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended due to the rocky road.
From the trailhead, the North Halfmoon Creek Trail climbs up along the Halfmoon Creek drainage for 1.4 miles. At that point, the trail forks–continue left to get to Halfmoon Lakes or right to hop on the South Mt. Massive Trail. The South Mt. Massive Trail is a tough 2.1-mile climb to the summit. Over the course of the 3.5-mile route from the trailhead to summit, the trail gains 3,850 feet of elevation!
The 7-mile roundtrip hike is half the distance of the Colorado Trail/Mt. Massive Trail route, but the steep gain makes it the more difficult of the two options.
Colorado Trail to Mount Massive Trail
The more popular of the routes to the summit starts at the Mount Massive Trailhead. The trailhead is near the Elbert Creek Campground off of Halfmoon Road.
From the trailhead, segment #10 of the Colorado Trail heads up through lodgepole pine forest for three miles, gaining 1,065 feet. Just past Willow Creek, the trail splits. To the right, the Colorado Trail continues north. The left trail is the Mount Massive Trail, the route to the summit.
Around the mile mark of the Mount Massive Trail, the pine forest gives way to spruce/fir forest and then opens up into the alpine. The final 3 miles of the trail are exposed, with beautiful views of the Sawatch and Mount Elbert. There is a class-2 scree field as the trail traverses the summits of the mountain.
In total, this route gains 4,380 feet over the course of 6.9 miles. The round trip hike will be just under 14 miles and take up a good chunk of the day.
Nature on Mount Massive
In the Arapaho language, Mount Massive is known as Hiwoxuu hookuhu’ee, or “Elk’s Head”. Elk, mule deer and black bear live among the lower-elevation habitats on Mount Massive. Once we transition into the alpine, you could see mountain goats and yellow-bellied marmots. Marmots survive the harsh alpine environment by spending eight months out of the year in hibernation.
As a result of the long ridgeline in the alpine zone of this fourteener, there are diverse microhabitats within. Summer brings wildflowers and the chance to see the delicate, colorful alpine plants that grow along the summit ridge.
Safety
Another aspect to the long, rocky summit ridge that gives Mount Massive its name is the exposure. With 6 miles of the 14-mile hike above treeline, that leaves a lot of time you could potentially be exposed to the elements.
As is typical in the Rocky Mountains and especially Colorado, beware of afternoon thunderstorms. Lightning storms can develop quickly, so getting an early start is essential. On the day I hiked Mount Massive, a hailstorm with lightning blew in around 10:00 in the morning.
Altitude sickness is another concern on Mount Massive. Be sure to drink lots of water and turn back if symptoms get touchy.
Use caution and common sense in Colorado’s high country to stay safe out there!
Other Hikes Nearby
Colorado’s highest fourteener, Mount Elbert, lies just south of Mount Massive. A popular option is to camp along Halfmoon Road, and hike both Colorado’s highest and second-highest peaks on back-to-back days.
Here are AllTrails links to the Mount Elbert hikes:
In the nearby Holy Cross Wilderness, the Missouri/Fancy Lakes loop trail is a gorgeous one to try if you haven’t gotten your fill of Colorado’s high country yet.
Camping Near Mount Massive
There are opportunities for dispersed camping along Halfmoon Road. When I hiked this route, I picked a dispersed site and slept in the hammock before getting an early start on the trail in the morning. Camping near the trailhead is a great way to help ensure you get the early start you need for this exposed peak.
In addition to the dispersed campsites in the area, there are also two Forest Service campgrounds with more amenities:
The many dispersed campsites along Halfmoon Road are first-come, first-serve and free. Be sure to use Leave No Trace principles and respect the watershed!
