Mount Massive

I’ve climbed Mt. Massive five times...So far

July 1980 - From the west side at Halfmoon Lakes, when I was 8yrs old, a very steep climb.

March 1994 - Group of 6 of us snow shoed from the Leadville fish hatchery across the Colorado trail up the center ridge. We camped just below timberline and reached the main summit @ 6:40pm on the 11th of March. We were told our headlamps could be seen from Leadville as we descended back to camp.

March 1997 - With three of the earlier six from the 1994 group. We followed much of the same route we had climbed three years previously. On the way up we changed our goal from the main summit to North Massive. From the center ridge we cut north at timberline across Massive Green, then we followed the ridge up the south end of Africa Bowl to the summit of North Massive. The temp @ the summit was a decent 22, but the wind was around 30mph. After a few photos we slid back down on our avalanche shovels and camped at timberline. Those who say Mt. Massive is an easy climb probably have never broken trail on snowshoes with a 50 lbs pack in 20 feet of snow.

August 2005 - From the top of Hagerman Pass, which is north of the mountain, we traversed its entire length and all the summits above 14,000 ft, then descended to the Halfmoon trailhead between Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive. If you have the time and good weather this is a great climb. Though it started at 11,900 ft, it was quite long with 20 miles and 9 or 10 hours of hiking and only a brief stop for lunch.

August 2007 - With a group of close friends from Kansas City, MO. We started at the Halfmoon Lakes trailhead around 6:30 and we hiked through the clouds and fog on the back (west) side of Massive. This trail is in great shape, however was easy to miss the turn to start up the steep backside of the mountain due to lack of signage at the time, so keep your eyes open. We were on top by 9:00 am. It was chilly but overall a decent day to climb with my friends.