Snowmass Mountain over Snowmass Lake

Snowmass Mountain

  • Duration 2 Days, 1 Night
  • Overnight Camping
  • Technical Climbing

Snowmass Mountain (14,092′) is perched high above breathtaking Snowmass Lake

Offering the unique ability to alpine climb on snow for most of the summer, Snowmass is an ideal setting for the “new-to-snow 14er climber.” Our standard two day / one night climb of this peak offers a true backcountry adventure with a remote feel of being far away from civilization. It is just about an 8 mile hike through the Maroon Bells Wilderness to get to Snowmass Lake. 10,090’ azure Snowmass Lake is a destination unto itself, being one of the most scenic high lakes in all of Colorado. Climbing from the lake, next to a 1,000′ waterfall, through a large boulder field (or ideally snow covered boulder field in late spring and early summer), across steep snowfields and steeper slopes, attaining a rocky ridge and steep ledges to the summit. Our clients are safely secured on a rope with their guides through all technical sections of this climb. Snowmass Mountain is truly a full value mountain adventure.  

The “S Ridge” which ascends the SW side of the mountain climbs one of the better quality rock scrambling routes in the Elk Range to the summit of a 14er. This is guarded by a fairly aggressive 4×4 approach and is either done in one very early day or ideally from a camp at Geneva Lake.

This climb has 2-day, 3-day, and horse-supported options through our USFS permitted outfitter partners available; please speak to our office to determine the best fit; our AMGA trained and certified mountain guides will tailor a memorable, one-of-a-kind climbing adventure just for you!

Trip Details

Duration

2 Days, 1 Night

Difficulty

Some hiking experience necessary

Maximum Guide Ratio

2:1

Included

  • AMGA and AE trained/certified alpine guide 
  • All technical equipment (helmet, harness, climbing equipment, ropes, packs, etc.) 
  • All necessary camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, pads, backpacks, stove, bowls, plates, cutlery, bear bags etc.)

Not Included

  • Lunch/snack food & water
  • Guide gratuity

Trip Itinerary

Your guide will contact you the day before at the phone number you give us to discuss an appropriate plan for you and to confirm a meeting place and start time. You will go over necessary gear to pack and meal planning.

Maroon Bells in Fall

Explore Trip Category

North Maroon Peak

North Maroon Peak (14,014’) is one of the more popular 14ers in the Maroon Bells wilderness, due to its relatively easy access and dramatic positioning Standing next to its slightly taller sister, Maroon Peak, it…

View Trip : North Maroon Peak

South Maroon Peak

For a mid-summer classic 14er experience, the standard and exceptionally long South Ridge is a must do Our clients are on rope with their guides through all technical sections of this climb. For the majority…

View Trip : South Maroon Peak

Pyramid Peak

Pyramid Peak, the closest 14,000 foot summit to downtown Aspen, just happens to be one the Elk Range’s most spectacular. The peak is considered a classic in terms of scenery, positioning, difficulty and history. Due…

View Trip : Pyramid Peak