Mount Massive from North Halfmoon

At 14,428 feet, Mount Massive is the second highest peak in Colorado at just 12 feet behind its southern neighbor, Mt. Elbert. Its name comes from its elongated shape: it has five summits, all above 14,000 feet, and a summit ridge over 3 miles long, resulting in more area above 14,000 feet than any other mountains in the 48 contiguous states, narrowly edging out Mt. Rainier. It is located in the Sawatch Range as it cut through the Mount Massive Wilderness.

The Mount Massive Wilderness was established in 1980 to preserve its quality, character, and integrity.  It is intended as a place where the imprint of humans is substantially unnoticed; where natural processes are the primary influences and human activity is limited to primitive recreation and minimum tools.  This will allow us, and future generations, to experience the Mount Massive Wilderness in its natural condition.

Note this trail is very steep.

Follow the instructions to the Main Mt. Massive Trailhead. Drive another 2 miles on the now rugged 4WD road to a small junction. Continue straight – do not turn left on Forest Road 110J. If you have 4WD and good clearance, drive another 0.5 miles to the small marked trailhead on the right.

The last ½ mile of the road to this trailhead requires high clearance and 4WD and should not be attempted with a passenger car. Park cars at the road junction ½ mile before the actual trailhead and walk up the rocky road. This is not an easy hike – from the lower meadow to the summit there’s nearly 3,300’ of elevation gain in 2.5 miles.

- USFS Mount Massive North Halfmoon Overview