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Hiking Mount Sniktau

Dillon, Colorado

5.0/5
based on 4 reviews

Details

Distance

4 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Ryan Mckinney

Distance: 4 mile out and back 13er (13,234'). Parking area is easily accessed by 2wd vehicles. Great for those looking to acclimate themselves to high altitude hiking. Amazing alpine views.

Mount Sniktau is a great beginner 13er. This hike offers a fun ridge walk with amazing views! Make sure you come prepared, the wind can be pretty relentless. Parking is limited so make sure you arrive early.

This hike will get your blood pumping from the moment you exit your vehicle. You will climb nearly 1,000 feet within the first mile. From the parking lot you will see a short rock staircase which leads you to the Grizzly Peak trail. Continue up the relentless hill to the top. Once you reach the top you will be facing the west side of Torreys Peak. Turn left (if you turn right you will reach Cupid and Grizzly Peak). After turning left it will seem that you are headed towards the summit of Mt. Sniktau but this is a false summit (it is still over 13,000 feet according to my altimeter). From the top of the false summit you will see Mt. Sniktau. Follow the trail down towards the ridge from there you will start your assent. On a clear day you can see 10 plus 14ers.

If you are heading back to Denver, Two Brothers Delicatessen in Idaho Springs makes a great sandwich (really big too!!!).

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Groups
Scenic

Reviews

Fun morning hike! Amazing views of Grays and Torres as well as the surrounding ski areas.

Fun little hike! straight up hill but worth the view. our four year old did it on his own so its not too hard. don't let the over crowed parking lot scare you away most people are just stopping to take a few photos.

i do this 13er onve a year, to acclimatize before my 14ers season. great training, don't for get that there is cupid peak, and amd a tougher Grizzly Peak close by as well.

This was my first mountain summit and while it was rather strenuous in the beginning the views were unbeatable. I made the trek at the end of April and there was still a ton of snow and some sketchy areas on the East side of the ridge as you make your way to the summit. There wasn't really any trail the entire way so I just tried to stay on the west side of the ridge. I had my dogs with me and they absolutely loved it. They were able to easily complete the hike without me worrying about their safety. Loved this hike, definitely recommend it!

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