Mount Massive
Mountain Colorado Fourteener and second-highest Rocky Mountain summit
Near Leadville, Colorado, Mount Massive reaches 14,421 feet as the state’s second-highest summit; hikers and mountaineers tackle its long ridges and alpine tundra.
Mount Massive is a high peak in Colorado’s Sawatch Range with a summit at 14,421 feet (4,398 metres), ranking it among the tallest mountains in the contiguous United States.
The massif offers multiple long alpine ridges and several high summits that attract hikers and mountaineers aiming for Colorado fourteeners. Routes are typically non-technical scrambles in summer but require endurance and attention to weather and altitude.
The peak was surveyed and named in the 19th century for its large, bulked summit area and is part of protected public lands managed for recreation and conservation. Over time the area has been used for mining, grazing and now mainly for backcountry recreation.
Located in central Colorado within the Sawatch Range, the mountain sits near Leadville and is accessed from several trailheads on its flanks.
- Elevation: Summit elevation is 14,421 feet (4,398 metres), making it one of Colorado's highest peaks and second only to Mount Elbert within the state by elevation.
- Visiting tips: Popular among hikers and mountaineers for its high ridge traverses and non-technical but strenuous summit routes; best climbed in summer months for minimal snow.
How to Get to Mount Massive #
Trailheads for Mount Massive are accessed from the Mount Massive Wilderness in the White River National Forest, typically reached from roads near Leadville, Colorado. Consult the White River National Forest visitor information for trailhead locations, seasonal road access and current conditions.
Tips for Visiting Mount Massive #
- High-elevation alpine travel - be prepared for sudden storms and significant snow outside summer.
- Trailheads commonly start near Leadville or Mount Elbert neighborhoods - check approach logistics carefully.
- Acclimate gradually; Colorado's high-altitude terrain invites respect for thin air and long days.
Best Time to Visit Mount Massive #
Summer months are best for climbs and hikes; storms can still arise in afternoons, so plan early starts.
Weather & Climate near Mount Massive #
Mount Massive's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -19°C to 14°C. Moderate rainfall (813 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -18°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -19°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -18°C. The wettest month with 86 mm of rain.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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May
May is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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July
July is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).
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October
October is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -17°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and breezy conditions.
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