Page Type: | Route |
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Lat/Lon: | 39.18720°N / 106.4747°W |
Route Type: | Hiking/Minor Scrambling |
Time Required: | A long day |
Difficulty: | Class II |
Start the excursion on the, “North Halfmoon Trail” (10,400’) and hike through a stunning valley towards “Half Moon Lakes”. There is a creek crossing and a small waterfall at approximately 12,300 feet. At this junction, leave the trail, being careful not to cross the creek, and remain on the east side. There isn’t a well-defined trail located here so remember while hiking into the basin, stay on the east side of the large tower that forms North Massive’s southwest ridge. From here, Mount Massive is at the right and North Massive is straight ahead with its impressive south face. There are numerous large boulders to hike around, once in the small basin. Looking to the northwest (somewhat left), there is a 400-foot scree slope that ascends to the southwest ridge and leads to North Massive (14,340’ – not official, but close). Carefully continue up this slope. The rocks are extremely loose. This section consists of ‘two steps forward and one step back’, which is the hardest part of the hike. Once on North Massive’s southwest ridge, Point 14,169’ (not official) is the large rounded summit to the Northwest. This is an easy hike to the summit. This summit is unique because it is the only 14,000 foot point that’s on the Continental Divide in the Sawatch Range.
From Point 14,169 (not official), North Massive (14,340’ – not official, but close) will be due east with two summit points. The true summit, for North Massive, is on the right, or the southeast summit. This peak is also a significant summit since it’s the fifth highest point in the state, but it’s not an official fourteener. North Massive is 0.9 miles from Massive, which includes a 280-foot rise from the saddle. Under today’s rules, it’s only 20 feet from being official, but the rules seem to change over the years. Maybe someday North Massive will be listed.
The descent to the saddle between North Massive and Massive Green is an easy Class 3 to a Class 2+ scramble, depending on the route. If you tumble toward the northeast, away from the North Massive's south face, there will only be some minor skittering. Next, there are only a few spots to down climb, facing out, using all fours. From the saddle (14,140’), on the way to Massive Green, there are a couple of pinnacles. Pass them on the right (west) staying about twenty to thirty feet below the ridge. This is the safe route. Follow the trail for an easy hike to Massive Green (14,300’ – not official).
From the saddle of Massive Green and Massive (14,240’) it’s an easy hike, by staying on the ridge, to the Mount Massive’s summit. Follow the trail to the Massive-South Massive saddle at 13,900’. Staying on the broad ridge, the final 250 feet to South Massive’s summit is an easy hike. By this time you might be having second thoughts on completion due to the difficult day. This final elevation gain, as it turned out, is the easiest saddle climb. Go for it!
Back at the saddle between Massive and South Massive, there is a faint trail that leads down to the valley (the West Slopes). Follow this steep, and somewhat loose trail, back to the “North Halfmoon Trail”.
The days hike entails 9 miles round trip and 5,000 feet of elevation gain.
Wind Gear.
Water.
There isn't allot of water along the route.
Any other essential gear needed for a long day.
Proof read by Lisa. Thanks