Is it right for you?
Galena Mountain is the high point at the north end of the long ridge that runs up from Stony Pass, above Maggie Gulch and the upper Animas River. The whole walk has big views of the surrounding peaks.
You take the climber's path from the pass onto Canby's northwest ridge, then follow the crest north over several bumps (Point 13,214, Point 13,090, Point 13,174 and Point 13,172) before a last climb northwest to the top. It is almost all tundra, a long, easy Class 2 ridge walk, and fit hikers get there in a little over an hour. The western summit with the benchmark and the eastern summit are within a few feet of each other.
The round trip is about 6 miles with 2,060 feet of gain. Adding Canby adds about 0.75 mile and 420 feet.
Plan of the day
By 7:30 a.m.
Be on the summit by noon.
Nothing hard, just a lot of ups and downs.
Easy. Stay on the ridge crest the whole way.
None on the route. Carry what you need.
This week on the summit
Conditions on the summit
Loading Fetching the forecast for 13,307'…—
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Afternoon storm risk is the line that matters. Everything else is comfort. In summer, plan to be off the ridge before the build-up starts, not as it starts. Forecast for the summit point, adjusted for its elevation · data from Open-Meteo.
Getting there
Stony Pass
Stony Pass needs a high-clearance vehicle, and 4WD is strongly recommended; road conditions change from year to year, so check before you go. From the northeast end of Silverton, take County Road 2 up the Animas River about 4.2 miles to Howardsville. Turn right up Cunningham Gulch, then take the left fork onto the Stony Pass road, which climbs steeply to the top of the pass at about 12,590 feet.
Park near the top of the pass. There is room to camp nearby, and in July the wildflowers around the pass, especially on the north side, are excellent.
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
Stony 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 →