North Star Mountain, Tenmile Range Travel Guide

4.5 (14)

Hike to the 13,614-foot summit of North Star Mountain in Colorado for stunning views from the Continental Divide; a challenging but rewarding alpine experience.

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North Star Mountain

North Star Mountain, a 13,614-foot peak on the Continental Divide in Colorado, offers a challenging but rewarding hike with stunning views. The most common access is via the east ridge from Hoosier Pass, involving a Class 2+ ridge walk with some rock navigation.

A brief summary to North Star Mountain

Colorado, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring North Star Mountain.

Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in the Colorado Rockies, especially during the summer.
Bring plenty of water and snacks, as the hike can take 5-6 hours round trip.
Wear sturdy hiking boots and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Layers are recommended.

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Explore North Star Mountain on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near North Star Mountain, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

The most common access to North Star Mountain is from Hoosier Pass. From Breckenridge, drive south on CO-9 for about 20 minutes to reach Hoosier Pass summit. From Alma, take CO-9 North for about 11 miles to the summit parking area. Parking is available at Hoosier Pass, but it can be busy on summer weekends. There are no fees for parking.
Hiking

From the Hoosier Pass parking area, the trailhead is located on the west side of the road. Follow the 4WD road heading up the ridge. The hike is approximately 8 miles round trip with 2,400 feet of elevation gain. Be prepared for a Class 2+ ridge walk with some rock navigation.

Discover more about North Star Mountain

North Star Mountain, rising to 13,614 feet (4,150 m), stands on the shared border of Park and Summit Counties in Colorado. Situated on the Continental Divide, it lies 3.5 miles (5.6 km) west of Hoosier Pass in the Mosquito Range, a subrange of the Rocky Mountains. Ranked as the 187th-highest peak in Colorado, it presents a formidable yet accessible challenge for hikers.The mountain's east ridge provides the most common access, leading hikers on a Class 2+ ridge walk. The ascent involves navigating a path with large, unstable boulders, demanding a degree of physical fitness and careful footing. Despite the challenges, the panoramic views from the summit are well worth the effort, encompassing the Tenmile Range and the surrounding landscape.While the US Forest Service summit marker and the point most hikers consider the summit are in slightly different locations, reaching either offers a sense of accomplishment. Be aware that the steepness of the terrain can create avalanche danger in certain areas, particularly during the winter months. The mountain is managed by both Arapaho National Forest and Pike National Forest.