Mount Sniktau is a mountain for everyone. The mountain is seen by the millions that drive Intersate 70 through Colorado every year, and its slopes are briefly visited by tourists taking photos as they pause in their travels at Loveland Pass. The standard route is a simple Class 1 walk on gentle ridges. Most folks only venture up the ridge a short distance. Those that ascend the mountain itself are rewarded with an extraordinary view of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains for a mountain only rising to 13,234 feet.

Mount Sniktau’s southwest ridge serves as a great acclimatizer or just a spot to enjoy a leisurely rest in the high country convenient to Colorado Highway 6. For those wishing to ascend the mountain, almost 150 feet must be lost in order to gain the summit. From Point 13,152 along Sniktau’s ridge, this looks like a daunting price to pay, but this minor obstacle adds credibility to an otherwise easy mountain to climb.

If you’re looking to get in shape or stay in shape, Sniktau is great for a starter outing in any season. Obviously more of a challenge in the winter, Sniktau is a very safe outing since the route follows ridge tops and avoids the avalanche terrain that surrounds it. The area is popular with winter enthusiasts, so arrive early at Loveland Pass to get a good parking spot. Once up and away from the pass, the crowds die off quickly. You may share the ridge or the summit with a few in summer, but you’ll likely have the mountain to yourself in winter.

An addition of a route from Kearny Gulch would be a splendid addition to SP. Any members out there up to answering that challenge?

Folks often wonder about the origin of Sniktau's name. Sniktau was the pen name of E.H.N. Patterson, who worked as a journalist in Clear Creek County in the 1860s, although he is best known for his friendship with famed eccentric author Edgar Allan Poe. (Information from mapbuzz.com and furnished by SP member mdavenport2.

Getting There

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.

If coming 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.

For an idea of weather conditions, 9News has a webcam set up near the Eisenhower tunnel, just a mile or two from Mount Sniktau.

Red Tape

No red tape. Be advised the area is popular and parking will be limited.

Arapaho National Forest

Just above the parking area, the tundra has taken a real beating from being trampled by the thousands that visit Loveland Pass throughout any given year. Please stay on the trail as much and as long as possible to minimize the impact of the hordes. Thanks!

When To Climb

Mount Sniktau can be climbed in relative safety in any time of the year. Do not ascend the mountain in any type of questionable weather. In summer, thunderstorms and lightning bolts dance on the mountain like nobody’s business. Start early and be off the mountain by noon. In winter, do not ascend in storms or situations of limited visibility. Do not ascend if high winds are present. Stay on the ridge top in the winter and avoid the extensive avalanche terrain on the slopes around it.

Camping

Camping may be possible in the basins north and south of Loveland Pass, but it is not recommended due to heavy use and traffic from other activities. The highway is right there and silence is not a possibility. In the summer, Pass Lake is a popular picnic and rest spot for tourists. Expect crowded conditions. Water sources may be limited in the basins.

Camping with dependable water sources in the nearby Dry Gulch, Herman Gulch, and Kearny Gulch can be easily attained.

Mountain Conditions

In spring, summer and fall, the mountain and surrounding area is a gorgeous canopy of alpine tundra. Heavy traffic near Loveland Pass has trampled the tundra beyond hope. Such is the price the mountain must pay for being close to heavily traveled Loveland Pass. The higher you go, the less impact the tundra displays. Please stay on the traveled areas or trails to minimize the impact of foot traffic in this beautiful area. If snow is present, use it to walk on whenever possible, if it can be done safely.

In winter, expect plenty of snow. If snow is thin, please stay in heavily traveled areas to minimize impact on the tundra. Lots of snow and wind results in considerably large cornices lining the ridges. Stay off of these dramatic snow walls, as they tend to break away from the mountain periodically. Slopes will be loaded and should be considered unstable and avalanche prone well into spring, and possibly longer depending on conditions.

The locale is notorious for high winds, particularly in spring and summer. Ascend the mountain another day if wind speeds are high.

Avalanche Conditions

Weather Forecast

GOES Western US Satellite Image

See the above webcam link in the GETTING THERE section.

Sniktau Panoramas

A climb of Mount Sniktau offers a surprising, far-reaching strategic view of the Colorado Rockies, despite its lower prominence in the range of Colorado 13ers. Below are three nearly continuous views from Sniktau Ridge, starting from the north, then west, then south. Views from the nearby 14ers (Grays and Torreys) often offer better aerial angles, but most views are better if the 14ers are part of the view! See if you don't agree!

Mount Sniktau from the Herman Gulch Trail Photo by Ryan Schilling

Sniktau Ridge Panorama, Due North (Click on the image for more information)

Sniktau Ridge Panorama, Due West (Click on image for more information)

Sniktau Ridge Panorama, Due South (Click on image for more information)

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