W0C/PR-031
Mount Sniktau
4034 m / 13234 ft
July 25, 2015
Nov 9, 2016
By KX0R
Mount Sniktau is an accessible alpine summit near the Continental Divide west of Denver.
Key points:
• Relatively easy high summit
• Access via Loveland Pass
• Trail to the top
• Fine HF site
• Great scenery
• ~ 3.6 miles round trip
• ~ 1350 vertical feet to the summit
• ~ 100 vertical feet on the return
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- Mount Sniktau from Kelso Mountain, Oct 16, 2015
Driving Directions:
• Drive west from Denver on I-70
• Exit east of the Eisenhower Tunnel on Route 6
• Follow the highway several miles up to Loveland Pass
• Park near the 12,000-foot Pass
• Loveland Pass is a popular spot, and parking is limited
• There’s additional parking south of the Pass
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- Mount Sniktau – Loveland Pass Trailhead
The Hike:
• Hike about 0.8 mile northeast up the ridge trail to a higher ridge at 12900 feet. This part of the route is along the Continental Divide.
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- Mount Sniktau – View Down Trail along Divide to Loveland Pass
• Continue north along the higher ridge for about 1.0 mile to Mount Sniktau
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- Mount Sniktau Trail Looking North along Upper Ridge
Details:
Because of the high location, dangerous afternoon thunder storms may occur in spring and summer; an early start is recommended.
The entire hike is above tree-line along rocky ridges.
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- Mount Sniktau Upper Ridge Route, View South
On a day with wind, this might be a challenging hike. The temperature may be cold, even in summer. If conditions are good, this is one of the easier high summits near Denver. The views of the nearby mountains are spectacular.
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- Mount Sniktau – View Southwest toward Loveland Pass
The alpine summit has a convenient, relatively flat top; the activation zone has plenty of room for an HF antenna. If there are many other hikers, it might be best to set up away from the actual peak. A pole is needed for erecting a wire antenna.
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- Mount Sniktau SOTA Activation July 25, 2015
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- Mount Sniktau SOTA Activation Nov 9, 2016
Sniktau has no development close by, and the HF noise level is low. The peak looks down on I-70, the Eisenhower Tunnel, and ski areas far below.
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- Mount Sniktau – View of I-70 Tunnel
There are several higher peaks to the south and north. VHF/UHF coverage of the populated areas to the east is partially blocked by numerous mountains, but it may be possible to make some contacts anyhow.
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- Mount Sniktau – View Northeast
Mount Sniktau is a fine HF site. I had a relatively short activation, with only 18 contacts on 10, 14, and 21 MHz CW. However, one of those contacts on 21 MHz was VK5CZ, Ian, in South Australia; and Jean, VE2JCW/M, worked me on 14 MHz, mobile from Quebec! On Nov 9, 2016, I made 41 CW contacts on 10, 14, and 18 MHz.
There are numerous other high SOTA peaks within sight of Sniktau. A few of these summits might be combined with Sniktau for a dual activation, although long hikes are required to reach the summits of most high peaks. Possibilities include:
W0C/PR-022 Grizzly Peak 4084 m / 13427 ft 2-1/2 miles south
W0C/SR-025 Pettingell Peak 4123 m / 13553 ft 4 miles NW
W0C/PR-044 Coon Hill 3881 m / 12757 ft 5 miles west
W0C/FR-054 Douglas Mountain 2905 m / 9550 ft near Empire
Mount Sniktau is a fine alpine SOTA peak with relatively convenient access. On a good day, it offers an ideal alpine SOTA activation!
73
George
KX0R
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- Mount Sniktau – View of Torreys Peak
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- Mount Sniktau – View of Torreys Peak
!! WARNING !! There are old mountaineers, and
bold mountaineers... there are no old-bold mountaineers.
Hiking and mountain climbing are potentially hazardous activities particularly in Colorado with its extreme elevations. I am not accepting responsibility for any death or injury resulting from activations based on my trip reports. Proper training, experience, and personal capability assessment is required - enjoy!
