In 0.75 mile (from the Colorado Trail - CT) the trail reaches an opening with a good view of Mount Massive.ДЄt 1.25 miles from the Colorado Trail, the Mount Massive Trail enters the willows. The Mount Massive Trail climbs steadily through the trees. The Mount Massive Trail still climbs 3,300 feet in 3.70 miles to gain the summit. In 3 miles from the trailhead, the trail gains a bit over 1000 feet. The junction marks the end of the Colorado Trail section of the route. The creek is a good place to filter or treat water.ДЇrom Willow Creek the Mount Massive Trail junction is just a short distance away.

There is no bridge, but under normal conditions, the crossing is not overly difficult.Д .70 mile further the Colorado Trail crosses Willow Creek. In the dark (early morning) the side trail might be difficult to locate.ДЄt 2.25 miles the trail reaches South Willow Creek. The side trail is 1.75 miles from the trailhead.

Two more streams are also crossed while on the Colorado Trail section of the route.ДЄt 0.50 mile from the opening, the trail reaches a small side trail that leads to an old miners cabin. It is not a bad idea to stop by the privies on the way to the trailhead.ДЄ small stream is crossed just beyond the opening. Privies are available at the North Elbert Trailhead. The Mount Massive Trailhead is a parking area with a few Forest Service signs. Note: North Elbert Trailhead is searchable on Goggle Maps - Massive Trailhead is just down the road. Continue on Halfmoon Rd (Rd 11a) for 0.40 mile to reach Mount Massive Trailhead (on the right). It's about 5.5 miles on a dirt road to the North Elbert Trailhead (on the left - south). Stay straight on Rd 11 for 1.25 miles, then the road (11) makes a right hand turn (11A goes straight). After 0.75 mile turn left on Lake County Rd 11. The ClimbДirections: Starting in Leadville, follow Hwy 24 south for about 3 miles. The summit ridge has views in all directions. Along the way there are great views of the Arkansas Valley including Leadville, Turquoise Lake, and the Arkansas River. The ridge is an easy (relative of course), fun, scramble. From the saddle a path leads across the rocky ridge to the summit. There is a good trail all the way to the saddle at 13,900'. It is one of our favorite Class 2 fourteeners.

Mount Massive is one huge mountain and is the second highest peak in Colorado.

Mount massive