The Sawatch Range, while boasting more than a dozen each of fourteeners and "centennial thirteeners," has many more hidden treasures as well. Beauty and solitude abound in this region, with few people to be found on these "less significant" peaks, with long approaches and moderate slopes being almost a guarantee. From the green of summer, to the brilliant colors of autumn, to the frigid snow-scapes of the long Colorado winters, the Sawatch is there for all to enjoy!

Mascot Peak Overview

"Mascot Peak" is the unofficial name for Colorado's 295th highest mountain, standing in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness within the beautiful Sawatch Range. (Read Grant's overview of the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness).
It is the high point on a ridge connecting directly to Mount Yale. "Mascot Peak" is nestled between the prominent 14ers, Yale and Princeton, and therefore the peak is often overlooked. That is precisely one of the reasons I think it is a worthwhile climb.

Routes: The only logical route I am aware of for Mascot Peak is the descent from Mount Yale's east ridge from just east of Yale's summit. It can be a nasty scree-filled journey from there to the 13,060-foot saddle before your ascent to Mascot. See my "North Ridge via Mount Yale Summit" route for more information.

Another possibility would be ascending directly from Avalanche Gulch, but this would require a lot of uphill bushwhacking through not-always-so-nice terrain. If you do so, be careful to avoid damaging the land you are on. Follow game trails and make every effort to LEAVE NO TRACE in your endeavors.

Why climb Mascot Peak?
1. It's fun;
2. It is a beautiful mountain in itself, and offers great views of both Mount Yale and Mount Princeton;
3. Solitude abounds (After leaving Mount Yale's crowded summit, it was only me, marmots, and wildflowers atop Mascot).

Enjoy!

Getting There

I would recommend climbing this mountain from the Avalanche Gulch Trailhead. However, the peak can be accessed from any of Mount Yale's trailhead's, as described on the Mount Yale Page. This is a nice trailhead, in that it is along a paved road, there is room for loads of parking, and the hike begins on the comfortable Colorado Trail. From U.S. 24 in Buena Vista, follow Chaffee County 306 west for 9 miles. Be looking for a large sign; the turn is somewhat hard to see on the right side of the road. Turn right there and park anywhere in the large parking lot.

Red Tape

There are currently no permits required; however, overnight camping is not allowed at the Avalanche Gulch Trailhead. If you want to split up the hiking, camp below timberline somewhere along the Colorado Trail.

Weather Conditions

For current weather and 10-day forecast for the Buena Vista area, Click Here.

Note: While this is the nearest town with which to gauge the weather for this mountain, plan on temperatures being cooler than the downtown forecast. Also, don't take warnings or threats of storms lightly. Weather is bound to be worse above timberline; always be prepared!

(Forecast provided by weather.com)

When To Climb

As always, June to September would be the recommended seasons for climbing this mountain. It can be climbed in winter with snowshoes, but beware of avalanche danger. Avalanche Gulch has its name for a reason, you know.

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