Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,486.00 ft (452.93 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
5.50 mi (8.85 km)
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Pennsylvania Mountain is a 13,000+ foot mountain located in the Mosquito Range in Colorado. The summit is typically accessed via Pennsylvania Mountain Trail. This out and back hike is 5.5 miles long and gains 1,486 feet of elevation.

This hike starts from the Pennsylvania Mountain Trailhead on Mountain View Dr. There are no amenities at the trailhead. Begin hiking northwest on Pennsylvania Mountain Trail. You will be hiking gradually uphill amongst trees and shrubs. After 0.3 miles, you will reach a junction and go left to stay on Pennsylvania Mountain Trail. The trail continues to climb uphill. After 0.6 more miles, you will emerge above the treeline. The trail gets a bit steeper for 0.1 miles. Then it mellows to a slight uphill again.

Enjoy another 0.2 miles of gradual uphill hiking before the trail becomes much steeper. You will have views of some surrounding peaks and valleys. This longer section of uphill will last for 0.6 miles and bring you to the top of an unnamed point. From here, the trail turns slightly to the north and goes downhill. After 0.1 miles of downhill, you will reach the flat saddle between the unnamed point and Pennsylvania Mountain. Hike on mostly flat terrain for 0.2 miles before heading uphill again. This will be the last uphill push. After 0.5 miles, you will reach the summit of Pennsylvania Mountain. From the summit, you will be able to see Mount Bross, Mount Sherman, and various other peaks. Once you have taken ample time to rest and enjoy the views, turn around and retrace your steps to return to the trailhead.

Pennsylvania Mountain is open for hiking year round, but the road is not plowed in the winter. There are no associated fees to hike up Pennsylvania Mountain. Dogs are allowed on this trail.

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Spring
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Panoramic views.

Cons

Exposed to weather.

Trailhead Elevation

11,645.00 ft (3,549.40 m)

Highest point

13,022.00 ft (3,969.11 m)

Features

Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

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