-
66280 Hits
-
95.51% Score
-
53 Votes
Page Type:
|
Mountain/Rock |
|---|---|
Lat/Lon:
|
39.67800°N / 105.857°W |
Elevation:
|
13234 ft / 4034 m |
|
Overview
Mount Sniktau | RyanS
Among the top 500 highest peaks in Colorado, Mount Sniktau is a popular outing for those starting to cut their teeth on winter summit attempts in the Colordo highcountry. Ready access from Loveland Pass via US Hwy 6 makes reaching the summit of the peak a relatively short and painless jaunt in any season.
The mountain's popularity is evident as one either trudges up packed snow in the winter/spring or strolls along a footpath worn into the tundra to reach the top of his peak. Views from the summit are expansive, squarely placing Mount Sniktau in the category of mountains offering a lot of bang for the buck. Very near to Denver, Sniktau is a common destination for locals and visitors alike.
Rank: 448th highest peak in Colordo
Prominence: 520 feet
USGS Quad: Grays Peak
Planning Map: Trails Illustrated #104 Idaho Springs | Georgetown | Loveland Pass
Rank & Prominence: Lists of John
Getting There
Eisenhauer Tunnel from Mt. Sniktau | Kiefer Thomas
LOVELAND PASS (Standard Route)
From the East:Drive west on Interstate 70. As you approach the Eisenhower Tunnel, take the exit for Loveland Pass. The exit channels you under the highway. Go right and take Highway 6 past the Loveland Ski Area and follow the road to the top of Loveland Pass and park.
From the West:Take I-70 through the Eisenhower Tunnel. Just beyond the tunnel, take the Loveland Pass exit, make a hard right, passing the Loveland Ski Area entrance and go to the top of Loveland Pass and park. You can also take Highway 6 from Dillon through Keystone resort to the top of Loveland Pass.
 Sunset on Sniktau | Niederbayer |
 Sopris on Sniktau | JonBradford |
Red Tape
Final push to summit | miztflip
Late sun on Sniktau | peaks2paddles
| There exists little or no red tape in this part of the National Forest, and this peak can be accessed without fees or permits. Please follow LNT (Leave No Trace) principles: 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare 2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces 3. Dispose of Waste Properly 4. Leave What You Find 5. Minimize Campfire Impacts 6. Respect Wildlife 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors |
Weather & Seasons
 Click image for avalanche forecast |
Thanks to proximity to Loveland Pass Road (US 6), Mount Sniktau is accessible year-round. - Many peak hikers purposely save Mount Sniktau as a winter trip, in part due to its accessibility even in snow season. Check the weather and avalanche conditions before heading out, however. The winds on this ridgeline can be relentlessly brutal, and the cornices don't suffer fools. - In the summer, the Loveland Pass area peaks are a nice place to cool off and enjoy the mountain air with minimal effort. |
 Click image for weather forecast |
En route to summit | SteamboatClimberCamping & Lodging
East slopes | altitude14er
Tarn SE of Sniktau | joegrim
Many (most?) folks aspiring to summit this peak will do so either as a resident of or visitor to one of the Front Range metropolitan areas (such as Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins or Boulder), and thus few will need overnight lodging.
Camping: Camping in the area is very limited and there is no campground in Loveland Pass.
Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts: The nearby town of Georgetown has a few hotels, B&Bs and inns to choose from. Visit this TripAdvisor page for more information on lodging in the area.
4 Trip Reports
Jeff12633 - Jun 28, 2009 3:35 am - Hasn't voted
Summit ViewsLast time I was on Sniktau's summit I counted at least 10 14'ers visible. It's an entertaining exercise to try to pick out as many as you can; there may be more visible in clear weather.