Mt. Massive Trip Report 09/06/2025

Report Type	Mini
Peak(s)	Mt. Massive - 14,427 feet
Date Posted	09/06/2025
Date Climbed	09/03/2025
Author	Russell_Mosburg

Massive Southwest Up; East down
Mt. Massive SW up and East down ... it is a massive beast! Son and I began 6am on Wed. SW up is no joke. Took 5 hours to reach summit. Due to steep vertical on way down, we went down the East route. Both routes well marked. Shout out to 14ers crew for fine trail work. While the East route is said to be easier, it is a beast for the first 4 miles through the woods at 15%-25% incline up. This is what we discovered on the way down. Massive is not easy by either route. We loved the SW route up views. Super cool. The East is basically in the woods 75% of the route. No matter which route, just do it! Totally worth it. The view is the prize. We stayed in Leadville. Just know it is 45-60 minutes to get to the trailhead. We had a Rav awd and went past the East parking lot (which is posh btw) and ventured to the next parking area just short of "monster trucks required". This section is a very narrow road. After that there are lots of deep holes and rocks. Really need a high clearance 4wd to be confident of going any further. Our walk was only 1/2 mile, but 15%-20% grade to start the walk before the trailhead. Adjustments I will make to training plan for SW up again. Need to be able to walk treadmill at 15% for full 60 mins with heavy backpack. Need to be able to maintain a "stairmaster" workout at a 5-6 pace for 120 minutes. Strengthen and stretch IT bands. I am in great shape as 67 yr male. This one kicked my butt. Just know if you take the East route, mind your hydration needs. It is a long way up and a long way down 13+ miles. There is running fresh water while in the woods. But once you leave the woods no water source. Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Massive Southwest Up; East down

Mt. Massive SW up and East down ... it is a massive beast! Son and I began 6am on Wed. SW up is no joke. Took 5 hours to reach summit. Due to steep vertical on way down, we went down the East route. Both routes well marked. Shout out to 14ers crew for fine trail work. While the East route is said to be easier, it is a beast for the first 4 miles through the woods at 15%-25% incline up. This is what we discovered on the way down. Massive is not easy by either route. We loved the SW route up views. Super cool. The East is basically in the woods 75% of the route. No matter which route, just do it! Totally worth it. The view is the prize.

We stayed in Leadville. Just know it is 45-60 minutes to get to the trailhead. We had a Rav awd and went past the East parking lot (which is posh btw) and ventured to the next parking area just short of "monster trucks required". This section is a very narrow road. After that there are lots of deep holes and rocks. Really need a high clearance 4wd to be confident of going any further. Our walk was only 1/2 mile, but 15%-20% grade to start the walk before the trailhead.

Adjustments I will make to training plan for SW up again. Need to be able to walk treadmill at 15% for full 60 mins with heavy backpack. Need to be able to maintain a "stairmaster" workout at a 5-6 pace for 120 minutes. Strengthen and stretch IT bands. I am in great shape as 67 yr male. This one kicked my butt.

Just know if you take the East route, mind your hydration needs. It is a long way up and a long way down 13+ miles. There is running fresh water while in the woods. But once you leave the woods no water source.

Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Comments or Questions

darshanf1

Trailhead?
9/9/2025 3:48pm

Trailhead comments that you made in the post is for SW slopes trailhead correct? I am planning to hike from East slopes. Do I need high clearance vehicle for East slopes trailhead?

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