Of all the established routes heading up Mount Massive, the Southwest Slopes route has got to be the steepest. You climb well over 1,000 feet per mile for about two miles while switching back and forth between boulder fields and some cliff areas. This trail is not for the faint of heart! It is much shorter than the classic Southeast route, but it is also much steeper.

Matthew

July 12, 2023

Running

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Best routes near Mount Massive — Southwest Slopes Switchbacks

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1. Mount Massive from North Halfmoon Creek Trailhead

12.1km

07:14

1,160m

Hike the difficult 7.5-mile Mount Massive from North Halfmoon Creek Trailhead route, gaining 3803 feet to Colorado's second-highest peak.

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2. Mount Massive Loop

20.8km

09:49

1,320m

Hike the difficult 12.9-mile Mount Massive Loop, gaining 4327 feet for panoramic views from one of Colorado's highest peaks.

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Distance 2.77 km

Uphill 850 m

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Sunday 22 March

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Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Lake County, Colorado, United States

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Mount Massive — Southwest Slopes Switchbacks

1. Mount Massive from North Halfmoon Creek Trailhead

2. Mount Massive Loop

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