Mount Massive Wilderness, Protected wilderness area in Lake County, Colorado
Mount Massive Wilderness is a federally protected wilderness area in Lake County, Colorado, centered on one of the highest peaks in the state. The land spans forested lower slopes and open alpine zones, crossed by a network of marked hiking trails.
Congress designated the area as wilderness in 1980, placing it under federal protection against industrial use and resource extraction. Before that, the surrounding region had a long history tied to mining activity centered on the nearby town of Leadville.
The name of the area comes directly from the mountain that gives it its identity, visible from many points along the trails. Hikers often spot elk and deer moving through the open terrain, since the land is protected from hunting and development.
The area can be reached from several trailheads, and most routes start in lower wooded areas before climbing toward open alpine terrain. The nearby town of Leadville is a good base, with lodging and supplies available before heading in.
Mount Massive has several summit points above 14,000 feet (4,267 m), which makes its ridgeline one of the longest high-altitude crests in the entire country. Because it extends horizontally over a greater distance than most other tall peaks, it appears wider than it is tall when viewed from below.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
