Elevation Gain
860.00 ft (262.13 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
3.80 mi (6.12 km)
Warming hut
No
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Squaw Mountain is one of the more accessible Front Range summits by in the winter, and it is a good choice for both snowshoes and cross-country skis. Because this hike begins above 10,500 feet, altitude can make this hike moderately challenging. Start out directly on Forest Service Road 192.1 and follow the wide, unplowed four-wheel drive road. If the sky is clear you'll be able to see James Peak, the Indian Peaks, and Longs Peak. After approximately a third of a mile you’ll pass Old Squaw Pass Road (Forest Service 252.1D), another recreational trail.

Keep going straight, continuing your steady ascent. The trail heads southeast with a few curves before a series of four fairly long switchbacks take you to your final approach. As the view clears up on the right, Chief Mountain and Papoose Mountain, both over 11,000 feet, will be in view. At the top there are a surprising number of telecommunication towers and auxiliary buildings. A quick climb further up a mound of lichen-encrusted granite takes you to the Squaw Mountain Fire Lookout, a 1940s Civilian Conservation Corps-built structure with tall windows on all sides. It can be reserved in advance, and it has typical amenities such as an electric stove, heat source, beds, refrigerator, and cookware. Note that guests must provide their own drinking water. A string leads you down to the outhouse during in storms.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Sweeping vistas. Steady ascent.

Cons

Windy.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Trailhead Elevation

10,682.00 ft (3,255.87 m)

Features

Big vistas
Historically significant
Cross-country skiing
Lodging

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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