Overview
Mount Maxwell sits on the central crest of the far southern Sangre de Cristo, right on the boundary between the San Isabel National Forest and private land. With 4WD up Forest Road 437, it is a short walk up a broad east ridge that narrows toward the summit.
It is Class 2: grassy tundra, then embedded rock and chip rock, with a few outcrops near the top that you pass on the south side. It took one party well under two hours.
The round trip is about 2.6 miles with 1,735 feet of gain from about 11,600 feet. Everything south of the summit is private; Cuatro Peak lies about 0.75 mile north.
Plan of the day
By 7:30 a.m.
Be on the summit by noon.
Nothing hard.
Easy. From the end of the road, head west to a bench of small trees and onto the east ridge.
None. Bring what you need.
Getting to the trailhead
Mt. Maxwell (FR 437)
From Walsenburg, take US 160 west and Colorado 12 south through La Veta and Cuchara. Once over Cucharas Pass, drive roughly 6 more miles; the highway loops northwest around North Lake, then turns south; watch for Forest Road 34 on the right toward Purgatoire Campground.
About 3.75 miles up Forest Road 34 (0.6 mile before the campground), turn left on Forest Road 437. It is a 4WD road that switchbacks about 3 miles, getting rockier. There's a good camp spot around 11,500 feet and more where it levels out near treeline. Purgatoire Campground (fee) has about two dozen sites, toilets and a water pump.
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
Mt. Maxwell (FR 437). 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 →