Mount Columbia peak
Mount Columbia rises to 14,073 ft in Sawatch-Range within the Sawatch Range range.
Standing at an elevation of 14,073 feet, it is one of the tallest mountains in Colorado. Its summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. With a sizeable prominence of 2,370 feet, Mount Columbia is a challenging and rewarding climb for experienced mountaineers.
During the winter season, Mount Columbia experiences substantial snowfall due to its high elevation. The snowpack range varies depending on weather conditions, but it can reach impressive depths, providing ideal conditions for winter sports enthusiasts. It is essential for climbers to be well-prepared and equipped with proper gear and avalanche safety knowledge when attempting to summit the mountain during this time.
Mount Columbia is known for its significant runoff, feeding into several creeks and rivers in the region. One of the prominent waterways that receives this runoff is the Arkansas River. This river system, in turn, contributes to the overall water supply and irrigation in the area.
As for its name, Mount Columbia was named after Christopher Columbus, the renowned Italian explorer. The name reflects the spirit of exploration and adventure that the mountain embodies. While there may not be specific legends or lore associated with Mount Columbia, its rich history and challenging nature continue to attract outdoor enthusiasts seeking a thrilling mountaineering experience.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Sawatch-Range range.
Snowpack near Mount Columbia
Snow water equivalent and snowpack depth at SNOTEL stations near the peak. Best proxy for what's currently sitting on the summit.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | View |
|---|---|---|
| Fool Creek | 7 in | → |
| Walden | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Joe Wright | 200 in | → |
| Jackwhacker Gulch | 7 in | → |
| Nohrsc Jackwhacker Gulch | 7 in | → |
| Loveland Basin | 28 in | → |
| Vail 2.6 E, Co | 0 in | → |
| Upper San Juan | 1 in | → |
| Tower | 50 in | → |
| Castle Peak | 24 in | → |
| Berthoud Summit | 8 in | → |
| Castle Creek Near Aspen, Co | 1 in | → |
Streamflow near Mount Columbia
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| East River Bl Cement Creek Nr Crested Butte | 380 cfs | → |
| Hunter Creek Near Aspen | 8 cfs | → |
| S Platte R Ab 11-Mile Canyon Re | 267 cfs | → |
| Lake Fork Below Sugar Loaf Reservoir | 16 cfs | → |
| Ef Arkansas R At Us Hiway 24 | 23 cfs | → |
| Arkansas River Near Leadville | 48 cfs | → |
Plan around incoming weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column -- snow at this elevation typically lags the radar signature by a few hours.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
What's around Mount Columbia
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Mount Columbia.
Ski areas
- Cuchara Mountain Resort
- Sandia Peak Ski Area
- Sunlight Mountain Resort
- Sipapu Ski Area
- Ski Broadmoor
- Echo Mountain Park
River runs
- Fractions
- Numbers
- Clear Creek Of The Arkansas
- Pine Creek (Granite To Numbers)
- Buena Vista Whitewater Park
- Arkansas River Segment 2
Get Mount Columbia on your phone.
Save this peak as a favorite and get push alerts when storms move in, fresh snow falls upstream, or NWS issues a weather warning. Free, account optional.
Scan to install Look for this on your home screen