Is it right for you?
Chipeta Mountain is a remote Class 2 summit north of Marshall Pass, looking down into the upper end of Little Cochetopa Creek. On the USGS map the name is printed next to Point 12,850, but it is now used for the higher summit just north. Lidar added 23 feet to its height. Elk and bighorn sheep are often seen.
From the pass you climb the broad, open south ridge of Point 12,685, mostly on grass and tundra with a trail higher up. Then you follow the crest north over small rises and saddles, past Point 12,850, to the rocky final slope. It is Class 2 with no exposure. A simpler option follows the Continental Divide/Colorado Trail north until you are west of Point 12,850, then climbs its west slopes.
The round trip is about 8 miles with 5,075 feet of gain. Plan on about four hours up; the return over the long ridge isn't much faster. Mount Ouray, east of Point 12,685, adds about 3 miles.
Plan of the day
By 6:30 a.m.
Be on Point 12,850 by 11 a.m.
The long ridge with many ups and downs.
Easy. Stay on the ridge crest rather than contouring.
None on the ridge. Bring plenty.
This week on the summit
Conditions on the summit
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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
Marshall Pass
From Gunnison, drive east on US 50 to Sargents and turn right (southeast) onto the Marshall Pass road (County Road 243, later Forest Road 243). Keep right at a big junction about 5 miles in. The pass is about 16.5 miles from the highway.
From Poncha Springs, drive south on US 285 and turn right (southwest) at Mears Junction onto County Road 200. If you reach the top of Poncha Pass, go back about 2.4 miles. About 2.4 miles in, turn right, then turn right again at a four-way junction less than a mile later, and stay on 200 past O'Haver Lake to the pass, a little over 14 miles. Both roads follow old railroad grades and are fine for cars.
Park in the large lot less than 0.2 mile below the pass on the east side, where the road curves. Continental Divide and Colorado Trail hikers and ATV riders use it. There's primitive camping around the pass and a fee campground at O'Haver Lake.
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
Marshall 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 →