Overview
Kuss Peak sits just north of the London Mountain saddle on the Mosquito Pass road. This route walks the pass road past the North London Mine to the saddle, then leaves the road and climbs Kuss's east ridge.
It is Class 2 with no trail on the ridge. The steepest part is between 12,900 and 13,200 feet; after that it eases.
The round trip is about 4.5 miles with 2,000 feet of gain, usually 3 to 4 hours. Many people keep going north along the ridge to Mosquito Peak and Treasurevault Mountain.
Plan of the day
By 6:30 a.m.
Be on the ridge by 10:30 a.m.
The steep stretch of ridge between 12,900 and 13,200 feet.
Road to the saddle, then straight up the ridge.
None above the creek. Carry it.
Getting to the trailhead
Mosquito Creek
From Highway 9, about a mile south of Alma, turn west on Mosquito Gulch Road (County Road 12). Drive about 6.8 miles to where the road bends left and crosses Mosquito Creek, then starts climbing toward Mosquito Pass.
Park in the area about 0.1 mile past the creek crossing. Any car can get this far in dry weather. Above here the road to the pass is rough, rocky 4WD.
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
Mosquito Creek. 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 →