Is it right for you?
Fitzpatrick Peak is an easy Class 2 summit just east of Cumberland Pass, between Tincup and Pitkin. Because the pass road tops out above 12,000 feet, it's one of the shortest 13er days around. Early-summer wildflowers are the highlight.
You walk east over Napoleon Peak, a ranked 12er, then drop about 550 feet of loose rubble and boulders to the pass between the two peaks. From there, grassy slopes with an ATV track lead up the west side, and only the top ridge is rocky. It is Class 2.
The round trip is about 4.8 miles with 2,165 feet of gain, including climbing back over Napoleon on the way out. Fairview Peak is a short drive away and can be done the same day.
Plan of the day
By 7:30 a.m.
Be at the low pass by 10:30 a.m.
The loose rubble on Napoleon's east side, both ways.
Easy. Head straight east over Napoleon.
None reliable. Carry all you need.
This week on the summit
Conditions on the summit
Loading Fetching the forecast for 13,122'…—
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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
Cumberland Pass
From Gunnison, take Highway 135 north 17.4 miles to Almont and turn right on County Road 742. Follow it up the Taylor River to Taylor Park Reservoir, then go east and south on Forest Road 765, a graded gravel road, to the old town of Tincup (24 miles from Almont). Keep south on 765 for 5.4 more miles as it switchbacks out of the valley to the top of Cumberland Pass, a little above 12,000 feet.
From the east, you can skip Gunnison. Take US 50 west over Monarch Pass to Parlin (11.7 miles before Gunnison) and turn north on County Road 76. It's paved 8.7 miles to Ohio City and 6.9 more to Pitkin, where it turns to gravel and becomes Forest Road 765. Drive 10.9 miles past the Quartz Creek campground and up a long switchback to the pass.
Any car can reach the pass. Leave it near the main road. Higher-clearance rigs can follow ATV tracks northeast a bit, but please keep off the fragile tundra. Quartz Creek campground, about 4 miles north of Pitkin, has 10 first-come sites for a fee; drinking water may be off, but a creek is close. You can also sleep in your car at the pass if you don't mind wind.
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
Cumberland 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 →