Mount Massive via East Slopes: Summiting Colorado's 2nd Highest Peak

Sunrise on Mount Massive Trail in Colorado

It ain’t first, but I’d disagree with Ricky Bobby and say number two ain’t too bad. Just 11 feet shy of Colorado’s tallest peak (Mount Elbert), Mount Massive is still very much a giant. With a mellow start and a fun but manageable Class 2 scramble near the top, this 14er is a must if you’re in the area.

Trail Info

Trailhead Name	Mount Massive Trail
Distance	14.5 miles / 23.3 km (out and back)
Estimated time	7+ hours
Elevation gain	4,500 ft / 1,370 m
Highest point	14,387 ft / 4,385 m (Mount Massive)
Permits / fees	None
Parking	Paved lot
Toilets?	At Mount Elbert Trailhead
Dog friendly?	Yes

Know before you go

This is a 14er—so prepare accordingly. Start early, keep an eye on the weather, and aim to be below treeline by noon. Plenty of resources out there can help you plan for altitude, gear, and pacing.
This is a Class 2 scramble. You’ll need your hands in a few spots near the summit, but it’s a relatively tame Class 2 with only minor exposure.
This is the standard route. There are two alternate routes to the summit: the shorter but steeper Southwest Slopes and the East Ridge (different than East Slopes), which is more common in winter.

Other trails nearby

Just down the road from the Mount Massive Trailhead is Mount Elbert, Colorado’s tallest peak. While it’s technically possible to summit both in one day, it would make for an extremely long and difficult effort. A better option? Set up camp at Elbert Creek Campground and bag them on back-to-back mornings for a much more enjoyable experience..

The Trail

After parking at the trailhead, look for signage marking the start of the Mount Massive Trail. Let’s go bag this thing!

The first few miles follow the Colorado Trail, with a gentle 1,000 feet of elevation gain and occasional views through the trees. A perfect little warmup.

About 3 miles in, you’ll hit the junction for Mount Massive. It’s clearly marked, but if you’re heads-down hiking, you could miss it. From here, the grade increases.

As you switchback through the trees, you’ll eventually pop above treeline with great views, like this one of Twin Lakes, a familiar stop from my CT thru-hike. (I camped here just below treeline to catch sunrise on the summit.)

Speaking of that sunrise—there’s nothing quite like watching the sun rise from above the clouds.

From here, the trail continues to wind upward through alpine tundra. Mount Massive is the peak on the right. You’ll head between the two and then veer toward the saddle.

At the saddle, you’ll think you’re close—but it’s a trick. That’s just one of several false summits. The real one is still a trek away.

Looking back, you’ll get a good view of Mount Elbert. I’d already knocked that one off last summer, so no double-header for me this time..

The final push involves some scrambling and larger, looser boulders. The Class 2 sections start here, but it’s nothing too sketchy. Just keep your hands ready and take your time.

Here’s a video clip of one of the narrower sections. Plenty of margin for error here :)

I caught this view to the west during sunrise. Those red-orange hues were unreal.

Are we there yet? That distant point is the true summit. The wind was howling up here. My face went completely numb from the cold.

We made it! Marked by a low rock ring, the top offers great views but no shelter from the wind.

Had to snap the classic selfie to prove I was here. Not a bad way to start the longest day of hiking I’d done so far on the CT.

SS Reflections

Summiting a 14er while thru-hiking the CT felt like a huge undertaking. But it ended up being one of my favorite days on trail. I camped alone just below treeline, then climbed up in the dark to catch a surreal, silent sunrise. It felt like a moment made just for me.

The rest of the day? A 28-mile haul, which would be the longest of my CT journey so far. It pushed me and showed me how much stronger I’d already become just 10 days in. And with 300+ miles still to go, I knew there was a lot more growth (and a lot more trail magic) waiting ahead.

Other Resources

14ers.com post overview of Mount Massive and all the possible routes