Overview
Hassell Peak is a short Front Range 13er above Hassell Lake, near Berthoud Pass. The Hassell Lake trail climbs to the lake, then you walk up a broad valley and onto the peak's east-northeast ridge, past lots of wildflowers.
It is Class 2: half trail, half tundra with embedded rock. The Continental Divide Trail runs along the summit ridge.
The round trip is about 4.8 miles with 2,455 feet of gain.
Plan of the day
By 7 a.m.
Be on the ridge by 11 a.m.
A steep climb onto the upper ridge.
Easy. Don't take the path down to the reservoir. From the lake's northwest end, head up the valley toward the saddle north of Hassell, then turn to the ridge.
Hassell Lake. Filter it.
Getting to the trailhead
Woods Creek (Hassell Lake)
From I-70, take exit 232 for US 40 toward Berthoud Pass. Go through Empire; about 11.9 miles from the center of Empire, just before the first switchback up to Berthoud Pass, turn left on County Road 202 toward the Henderson Mine.
After 0.6 mile, turn left on FR 146, the Woods Creek Road. It is steep gravel past ponds and Urad Reservoir, with more potholes and cobbles in the upper half, so better-than-average clearance helps. For Hassell Lake, park near the Woods Creek crossing, about 3.2 miles up. For Engelmann, park a little before the Ruby Creek crossing, on its north side.
There are primitive campsites near the trailhead, but they can be loud and crowded on weekends. Mizpah Campground, just east of Berthoud Falls, may be open; check first.
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
Woods Creek (Hassell Lake). 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 →