Plan a trip
Everything to check between picking a peak and leaving the car. Start with the mountain. Its page has the summit forecast, the drive, where to sleep and the route in the order you need them.
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1
Is it the right mountain for you?
Each peak page starts with the class, the length and the hardest move, plus a plan for the day: when to start, when to turn around, where people get lost. Be honest about the hardest part, not the average.
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2
Watch the summit weather all week
Every peak page shows the forecast for the summit itself, not the town below. Look at storm risk and wind each afternoon. In summer, plan to be off the top before clouds build, usually by late morning.
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3
Know the drive and the trailhead
Some roads need high clearance or four-wheel drive, and popular lots fill before sunrise. Check what your car can reach and where you will park if the lot is full.
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4
Decide where to sleep
An alpine start is easier from a campsite or a motel close by. See the base towns, campgrounds and free camping for each range, and what is closed this year.
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5
Thinking about two peaks?
Some summits sit so close that you can do both in one day. See which pairs make sense, and which ridges are serious climbs.
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6
Save it for when you lose signal
Most trailheads have no service. Install the app and save the peak page on your phone, with its photos and GPX track, the night before.
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7
Tell someone before you go
Send someone your peak, route, trailhead and the time you will be back. If you are late, they know where to send help.
The week you go
Official sources
Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Check coverage near the trailhead, and carry a satellite messenger if you can.
FCC coverage map →