Waking up later than planned, I crawled out of my van with a packed bag, fueled by coffee and laced-up boots. Clicking my Coros watch to start recording my trek, I set off down the trail for a car-to-car push of Mount Massive. As Colorado's second-highest peak, I felt nervous but confident I could summit in good time. My legs were still sore from climbing Mount of the Holy Cross just a few days before, another challenging 14er in Colorado’s Sawatch Range.
The initial stretch of trail was forgiving—flat and easy to navigate. However, something about this morning felt different. The usual hum of 14er activity was missing. It was silent.
I paused mid-trail, letting the quiet seep in. I listened to the birds flitting between branches, felt the sun warm my face, and watched the aspen leaves tremble in the breeze. Poetic? Maybe a little. It’s rare to find such a peaceful start on a popular 14er, and I let myself fully enjoy the moment.
Navigating the Trail
The tranquility carried me over the first creek and then the second. At the second river crossing, I almost made a rookie mistake. There's a campsite near the crossing, but don’t turn there. Continue another quarter mile before turning left. That’s where the real climb begins.
The steep ascent out of the trees was brutal, and I made another rookie error—I forgot sunscreen. Finding a wind-sheltered spot, I regrouped with sunscreen, trail mix, and water. With the tree line behind me, I faced the long, exposed climb toward Mount Massive’s summit.
Crossing the first creek on my way to the summit of Mount Massive. Photo by Dalton Johnson
The path transitioned from a packed trail to loose dirt and rock. It’s a stretch where every step demands attention. The exposure to the sun intensified as the morning wore on, and I regretted not starting earlier. I’d made a mental note of the thunderstorm warnings but kept scanning the sky for any signs of trouble. Thankfully, the skies remained a vibrant blue.
No music, just the crunch of my boots and the wind. There’s something therapeutic about that solitude. But as I climbed higher, solitude gave way to the chatter of descending hikers.
They warned me about thunderstorms, but the skies were clear, so I pressed on. Still, their remarks about my late start gnawed at me. My layering system was off, too. Without a proper wind layer, I alternated between overheating in a Gore-Tex jacket and freezing in a fleece. At least my trekking poles were a solid choice—they saved me on more than one slippery patch.
Beginning the long and exposed traverse to the summit of Mount Massive. Photo by Dalton Johnson
The Crux: Mount Massive’s Saddle and Ridgeline
Emerging onto the saddle, the summit finally came into view—or so I thought. First, there was the ridgeline to navigate.
I paused at the saddle, enjoying the antics of marmots darting around in search of snacks. These critters are entertaining but will chew through your pack if given the chance. Watch your gear here! Sitting there, I also took in the sweeping views. The saddle offered a dramatic perspective, with rugged peaks jutting up in every direction and a rolling valley far below. It’s the kind of scenery that makes every step worthwhile.
Marmots ready to eat your gear. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Refreshed, I tackled the ridge. Weaving through loose rock and patches of snow, I met climbers debating whether to continue due to the exposure. For those uneasy with heights, this ridgeline is daunting. But if you’re comfortable on loose terrain and confident in your footing, it’s manageable.
The ridgeline was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. The exposure on either side made every step deliberate. A misstep here would be costly, but I found the challenge rewarding. With each step, the sense of accomplishment grew.
At last, I crested what I believed was the summit. Relief washed over me—until I looked north. There it was, the true summit, taunting me from across a dip.
Heartbreak and Triumph
The false summit was heartbreaking. Crawling down loose rock, I crossed the dip and scrambled up to the true summit. Relief and accomplishment hit me all at once.
Standing atop Mount Massive, I gazed out toward Leadville. Nearby, a fellow hiker in cowboy boots, a cowboy hat, and leather gloves shared his thoughts on the beauty of doing hard things. His perspective added depth to an already memorable summit experience. I couldn’t help but laugh at the juxtaposition of his gear against the rugged terrain. It’s moments like these—unexpected conversations and shared experiences—that make 14ers so special.
The summit views were breathtaking. The endless ridges of the Sawatch Range stretched in every direction, their jagged peaks dusted with snow. I took a moment to sit and reflect, letting the satisfaction of the climb wash over me. It’s not just the physical effort but the mental persistence that makes summiting so rewarding.
Making the final push to the true summit of Mount Massive. Photo by Dalton Johnson
The Journey Back
Descending was slow, but the views and the sense of achievement made every step worth it. I returned to my van, exhausted but satisfied. Tomorrow, Mount Elbert awaited.
The return trek had its own charm. As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, the golden light bathed the landscape, casting long shadows across the trail. Marmots scampered about, and I passed a few remaining hikers heading down, all exchanging knowing nods of shared effort.
