Mt. Massive in July

[ilikerocks]

Planning some summer hikes first half of July and I have a question about Mt. Massive. The East slopes route is considered the standard, why? The Southwest slopes route is 6 miles shorter. Any reason not to do the Southwest slopes route? Thank you.

[SkaredShtles]

Nope - hit the SW slopes!

[Wish I lived in CO]

Someone that has done both should chime in. I did the SW and thought it was beautiful. Many have called it steep, and it is, but not ridiculous like Challenger or S. Maroon.

[Scott P]

The East slopes route is considered the standard, why?

The East Slopes Route is the standard route because it is the easiest route up the mountain and has a well defined trail.

[ilikerocks]

Thank you. Southwest slopes it is.

[JChitwood]

You will like the SW slopes route. Way less crowded and much shorter. The TH is next to a creek with some nice camping spots. Just don't miss the right turn in the meadow or you'll end up on Oklahoma or North Massive. The last 1/2 mile to the TH has a couple steep rough spots but my 1998 Outback has made it four times.

[MtnHub]

You might consider making a loop out of it. My favorite way is to go up the SW (really the much more scenic route) and then down the East slopes. The more gradual east route is easier on the knees and ankles on descent (for me that's a big plus!) and you get to experience both routes well. Have fun!

[peter303]

The east trailhead is on graded forest road, right across from the Halfmoon Elbert trailhead. Both fill up by 7AM on a summer weekend morning.
The southwest trailhead is up the road and requires a high clearance vehicle.

[hoff_hikes]

I'm planning on doing the Mt. Massive loop in mid July. I'll be going up the SW route and coming down the East route. For those who have done the loop, where is an ideal place to park? I'm guessing at the East route. Also, how many miles separate the two THs?

[Sugar Madison]

I'm planning on doing the Mt. Massive loop in mid July. I'll be going up the SW route and coming down the East route. For those who have done the loop, where is an ideal place to park? I'm guessing at the East route. Also, how many miles separate the two THs?

I did the loop, but a bit differently, last year. I parked at Fish Hatchery and went up the East Ridge and came down the SW route to the road. Ran the road back to the regular Mount Massive TH and ran the CT back to Fish Hatchery. I think you're looking at the standard East slopes route, maybe? If so, I'd park at the standard Mount Massive parking area, it's easy to get to in any vehicle. It's quite a bit rougher past that point. The distance on the road is 2.5 miles between the two. Also, it's nice to get the road over with early, instead of finishing the day with a 2.5 mile slog up the road. It's a fun route, makes for a really nice loop tour.

[hoff_hikes]

I think you're looking at the standard East slopes route, maybe?

Thanks for the information. Yes, I was referring to the East Slopes standard route for my descent. It will be nice to have my vehicle at the standard parking lot and calling it a day.

[MtnHub]

As Sugar said, you want to park at the standard Mt Massive parking lot. And it is 2.5 miles after that to the SW Slopes TH. Because you're walking along the road, it's easy to do in the dark if you're starting early with a headlamp. Sometimes when I'm wearing a headlamp on a thin trail I can get off route easily. The East Slopes trail coming back intersects with the CO Trail which takes you back to the parking area. My Tribute climb to James Nelson describes it in good detail.