See the GETTING THERE section of this page. Once you reach the Mount Massive trailhead for the standard route up the mountain, continue up the road, which becomes an easy 4WD route to where the road crosses Halfmoon Creek. Just before the creek is the trailhead for th North Halfmoon Creek drainage. Park here. A trail register is located at the north end of this area.

A memorial commemorating pilots who lost their lives during a military helicopter training exercise is just beyond. Please respect this deeply moving landmark and do not deface it.

Route Description

Hike north and then west along North Halfmoon creek on a good trail 1.4 miles, crossing several streams along the way. At the north end of a clearing is a large cairn and a recently placed sign indicating this route. Take the well designed trail (once hardly a trail when this route description was originally submitted to SP). The trail climbs rapidly through a cliff band and up through a boulder slope. Beyond, the trail zig zags up ever steepening tundra.

The tundra is highly susceptible to erosion due to this steep angle. This route's every growing popularity indicated the installation of a sustainable trail, expertly crafted by the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative. Utilize this trail, as it gets you up the mountain in expedient fashion, perhaps better than most trails.

Once above the rocks, the trail climbs directly and relentlessly northward up the steep tundra slopes of Mount Massive. Assuming a ridge line, the route stays to the right of rocky north face slopes on south facing tundra that is littered with rocks. You continue to climb rapidly to the summit ridge, where exciting views off of cliffs down grottos await you. The trail scrambles up onto the ridge (Class 2) and follows it northward to the summit. A Class 3 option or two is available along the way.

You can descend the route you climbed, but if you're interested in an isolated loop route, and if you have time and energy, proceed north from the summit along the domed summit ridge. Drop over a precarious jumble of rock to a point in the ridge marked with orange scree, at 14,200 feet, mile 4.3.

Descend southwest down this slope. A scree descent is nice, but an early season outing may provide a glorious glissade into this great mountain amphtheater. As you exit the amphitheater and reach tundra, stay high and east of North Halfmoon Creek to avoid marshes and bogs below. You'll come to land's end above some cliffs that overlook the valley at approximately 12,280 feet. The trail will be visible below. Drop down from this perch due northwest briefly down a tundra and rock ramp, then angle south once again to intercept the trail below the cliffs at about 12,100 feet. Minor bushwacking is required through this section.

Follow the trail back to your vehicle, completing your loop at the large cairn at mile 6.7.

Be sure to check out the pictures on this page, as they illustrate the conditions encountered on this route, particularly persistent spring snow.

MILEAGES
Cairn at West Slopes Route 1.5 miles
Gain ridge 3.7 miles
Summit 4.0 miles
Descent into amphitheater 4.3 miles
"Land's End" 5.6 miles
Cairn at West Slopes Route 6.7 miles
Trailhead 8.0 miles

Originally developed and contributed by Aaron Johnson.

Additional Photos

Essential Gear

SUMMER AND FALL: Standard hiking gear will do. A 4WD vehicle is a good idea for the road beyond the Mount Massive Trailhead. At the least, the vehicle needs good clearance.

SPRING: Winter gear recommended, including an ice axe. Crampons and full compliment of winter gear and rope is recommended for early spring. Access to the trailhead with a vehicle is unlikely, adding to your walking distance.

WINTER: While the route can be climbed in winter, it is not recommended. Massive's entire west face is ideal for avalanche activity. Vast slopes at the optimal angle, constantly loaded and shifted by prevailing west winds that have no anchors whatsoever place the entire route in potential avalanche paths.

Images



[ View Gallery - 10 More Images ]