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Sawatch Range · Colorado 13er · No. 341 of the 13ers

East Slopes from the Lost Man Trail

Geissler Mountain West, 13,308'

DifficultyClass 2
Round trip4 mi
Elevation gain1,800'
TrailheadRoaring Fork River
Trailhead elevation11,506'

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.

Colorado 13er · East Slopes from the Lost Man Trail

Overview

Geissler Mountain West is a gentle tundra summit northwest of Independence Pass, with a view west to the Williams Mountains. It pairs well with Geissler Mountain East.

The Independence Lake trail gets you most of the way. You leave it where it bends east, cross wet tundra and walk up an easy slope, then skirt a few rocks near the top. It is Class 2 and a good first peak for kids; under two hours up.

The round trip is about 4 miles with 1,800 feet of gain. Adding Geissler East makes a loop of about 5 miles and 2,500 feet.

Plan of the day

Start by

By 7:30 a.m.

Turnaround

Be on top by 11:30 a.m.

Crux

A few rocks just below the summit.

Route-finding

Easy. Leave the trail where it bends east near 12,100 feet.

Water

The creek and small streams. Filter it.

Getting to the trailhead

Trailhead

Roaring Fork River

Find it on a map

Take Highway 82 toward Independence Pass. On the west side of the pass, the highway makes one last sharp switchback near the young Roaring Fork River before the final climb to the top. The trailhead parking for the Lost Man and Independence Lake trails (about 11,500 feet) is at this bend.

Any car can make it. The highway over the pass is closed in winter, usually from early November to late May.

Where to sleep

Base towns and camping for this climb

Twin Lakes About 12 mi away as the crow flies · 3 campgrounds listed · free camping: Forest Road 125B above Lakeview Lodging & camping → Aspen About 13 mi away as the crow flies · 3 campgrounds listed · free camping: Lincoln Creek Road Lodging & camping →

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

Roaring Fork River. 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 →

Less traffic, less margin

This describes the route on a dry summer day. Most 13ers see few people, so there may be no one along behind you. Check recent conditions the week you go, carry a map, tell someone your plan, and turn around when the day tells you to.