Mount Sniktau

Mount Sniktau is a mountain summit in the Rocky Mountains located northeast of Loveland Pass, rising to approximately 13,240 feet above sea level. The peak sits within an alpine zone where rocky slopes and sparse vegetation characterize the surrounding terrain and views extend across multiple ridges of the Front Range.

The mountain takes its name from Edwin Patterson, a journalist who wrote for the Colorado Miner newspaper in Georgetown during the 1860s. The naming reflects his work as a writer and reporter covering events in this early mining region of Colorado.

The mountain was considered for the 1976 Winter Olympics alpine ski racing events before organizers determined it did not meet competition standards.

The trail to the summit starts at the Loveland Pass parking area at approximately 12,000 feet elevation and covers about two miles with roughly 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Visitors should prepare for alpine weather conditions and rapid changes, especially in the higher sections of the route.

Water from Mount Sniktau drains through Clear Creek into multiple river systems and eventually reaches the Gulf of Mexico. This far-reaching watershed connection links this high peak to distant ecosystems hundreds of miles away.

Location: Colorado

GPS coordinates: 39.67832,-105.85779

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:27