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MOUNT MASSIVE

Mountains and Summits


Rocky Mountains Sawatch Range

Mount Massive

14,428 ft

Mount Massive is the second-highest peak in the Rocky Mountains, towering at an elevation of 14,429 feet. Located in the Sawatch Range of Colorado, it spans an impressive size of approximately 5.5 square miles. This colossal mountain attracts mountaineers from far and wide due to its challenging terrain and breathtaking panoramic views.

During the winter season, Mount Massive experiences a heavy snowpack, which can range from 10 to 20 feet in its upper reaches. This abundant snowfall creates ideal conditions for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. The mountain's snowpack gradually melts in the spring, feeding several creeks and rivers in the surrounding area. Clear Creek, Lake Fork, and Willow Creek are some notable water bodies that receive runoff from Mount Massive.

The name "Mount Massive" was given to the peak by an exploratory expedition led by Henry Gannett in 1873, as the mountain's massive size and prominence were awe-inspiring. Interestingly, the mountain also has some fascinating legends associated with it. Native American folklore tells the story of a giant who once inhabited the area, and the mountain is said to be his final resting place. Although these legends add an element of intrigue to the mountain, they are purely mythical in nature.

In conclusion, Mount Massive stands tall as a prominent and majestic peak in the Rocky Mountains. With its impressive elevation and expansive size, it provides a challenging and rewarding experience for mountaineers. Its significant snowpack and runoff contribute to the surrounding water bodies, while its name and legends add a touch of fascination to its already captivating allure.


Outdoor Recreation

Campground Campsites Reservations Toilets Showers Elevation
Collegiate Peaks 56 9,837 ft
Elk Wallow 7 8,829 ft
Lottis Creek 27 9,068 ft
Mirror Lake - Almont 10 11,007 ft
Gold Creek 6 10,005 ft
Halfmoon West 16 9,932 ft
Gold Park 11 9,246 ft
Halfmoon East 6 9,923 ft
Garfield 8 9,912 ft
Cataract Creek 5 8,578 ft
Rivers End 15 9,356 ft
Pitkin 22 9,362 ft
Yeoman Park 24 9,062 ft
Radium - Kremmling RMA - Rafting ramp None 6,867 ft
Lodgepole - Almont 16 8,905 ft
Dorchester 10 9,925 ft
Willows 35 7,973 ft
Blodgett 6 8,836 ft
Portal 5 10,576 ft
Middle Quartz 7 10,230 ft
Quartz 10 9,849 ft
Dexter 24 9,271 ft
Elliott Creek 15 8,018 ft
Cold Spring 6 8,954 ft
Cottonwood Lake 24 9,586 ft
Fulford Cave 7 9,422 ft
Camp Hale Memorial 21 9,318 ft
North Fork Reservoir 9 11,459 ft
Mayqueen 27 9,884 ft
Comanche 4 8,962 ft
Tigiwon 9 9,994 ft
Molly Brown 49 9,897 ft
Parry Peak 26 9,430 ft
Chapman 84 8,598 ft
Father Dyer 26 9,953 ft
Iron City 15 9,928 ft
Gore Creek 25 8,720 ft
Lakeview - Almont 35 9,556 ft
Silver Dollar 43 9,905 ft
Tabor 44 9,897 ft
Monarch Park 37 10,478 ft
Halfmoon 7 10,294 ft
Elbert Creek 17 10,095 ft
Baby Doe 50 9,913 ft
Snowblind 23 9,278 ft
White Star 66 9,256 ft
Matchless 17 9,903 ft
Wolcott None 6,979 ft
Lost Man 10 10,513 ft
Twin Peaks 37 9,615 ft
Belle of Colorado 19 9,924 ft
Dinner Station 22 9,613 ft
Hornsilver 7 8,843 ft
Lakeview - Twin Lakes 27 9,511 ft
Ski Area Snowpack Air Temperature 5 Day Forecast
Ski Cooper 38" 44° 6.39"
Vail 194" 48° 5.08"
Aspen Mountain 46" 51° 4.83"
Steamboat Ski Resort 66" 46° 0.47"
Breckenridge Ski Resort 44" 50° 6.91"
Snowmass 35" 50° 4.58"
Buttermilk Mountain 35" 50° 4.58"
Howelsen Hill Ski Area 51" 51° 0.17"
Copper Mountain Resort 44" 50° 6.91"
Aspen Highlands 35" 50° 4.58"
Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area 46" 45° 0.75"
Beaver Creek Resort 39" 59° 4.59"
Crested Butte Mountain Resort 35" 51° 1.22"
River Run Streamflow Length Class

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