Mount Massive Why Go? It’s the second-highest peak in the state. Mount Massive is just a stone’s throw from Mount Elbert, the highest peak in Colorado, and is just a handful of feet shorter—14,428 feet to Elbert’s 14,439, making it the second-highest peak in the state. As its name suggests, however, it’s absolutely enormous: Its 3-mile-long summit ridge and numerous satellite summits mean it boasts more terrain over 14,000 feet above sea level than any other peak in the contiguous United States. Despite its lofty summit, though, Massive is an approachable, nontechnical Fourteener route—meaning it’s totally possible to bring a fit, well-behaved dog safely to the summit and back. The Hike... You’ll cross two creeks in the first 3 miles; if you’re hiking the trail early or late enough in the season that the creek is at high flow or iced over, use extra caution. Shortly after the second creek crossing, you’ll reach the intersection of the Mount Massive Trail and the 486-mile Colorado Trail, which stretches from Denver to Durango. Take a left to stay on the Mount Massive Trail. Be Prepared... The summit ridge is fairly straightforward, but an off-leash dog could easily find themselves cliffed out if they descend too far in pursuit of a little ground squirrel. Take your time at the top to avoid being pulled off your feet, and keep your dog close at hand. One final warning goes for all hikes above tree line, but especially the Fourteeners: Get an early start—you won’t regret it. Trail specs Distance: 14.5 miles round-trip Approx hiking time: 8+ hours Difficulty: Very strenuous Elevation gain: 4,500 feet Trail surface: narrow and rocky Canine compatibility: dogs must be on leash
✔ Author(s): Emma Walker
✔ Title: Best Dog Hikes Colorado
✔ Rating : 4.7 out of 5 base on (40 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: 1493041290
✔ ISBN-13: 9781493041299
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about Best Dog Hikes Colorado by Emma Walker
Melody Blake
The rich historical context of the book added a layer of depth that I found fascinating. It was like stepping back in time and experiencing history firsthand.
Sydney Richardson
The author's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through their words is truly remarkable. I felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster throughout the entire book.
Laura Hill
I'm already planning to reread this book. It's one of those stories that you can revisit again and again, discovering new layers of meaning each time.
