Overview
Mount Sniktau rises just north of Loveland Pass. A wide, heavily used trail climbs the ridge east of the highway to Point 12,915, then follows the ridge north over a 13,152-foot false summit to Sniktau.
It is Class 2, with one short rocky section below the false summit. It is one of the easiest 13ers to reach.
The round trip is about 3.7 miles with 1,800 feet of gain.
Plan of the day
By 7:30 a.m.
Be on the false summit by 10:30 a.m.
A short rocky section below Point 13,152.
Easy. At Point 12,915, turn left (north) along the ridge.
None. Bring what you need.
Getting to the trailhead
Loveland Pass
Take I-70 to the US 6 exit by the Eisenhower Tunnel and drive US 6 up to Loveland Pass at 11,990 feet. Park at the top.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
Loveland Pass. Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →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. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
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
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →