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    Citadel Mountain Hike

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    5.5-7.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    14.3 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    999 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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    Directions to Trailhead

    Hike the Citadel Mountain Trail on your next journey into the Arapaho National Forest. This exciting adventure is reserved for intrepid outdoor enthusiasts who don’t mind off-roading. Hike the primitive trail up to the summit of Citadel Mountain, where dumbfounding vistas of the mountainous landscape await.

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    Route Description for Citadel Mountain Hike

    The Citadel Mountain Trail is an exciting wilderness excursion up to a quintessential Colorado peak. Hike up the forested gulch to a small alpine lake before summiting Citadel Mountain. Travel through the beautiful aspen woodlands before summiting the tree line and scrambling up the rocky ridges of Citadel Mountain. Reserved for experienced hikers with a keen sense of adventure, this path is stunning. Bring a trail GPS along with you on this journey, as the rearmost section of the hike up to the peak is primitive and difficult to navigate. Furthermore, dress warmly as the exposed summit will likely be windy and cold.

    Embark on your journey along the Citadel Hike from the Herman Gulch Trailhead. From the trailhead and parking lot, follow the Herman Gulch Trail northwestward below the tree coverage. Hike up the aspen-lined gulch and enjoy the ambiance of the Herman Gulch Creek running beside you. Hike up the valley, and as you ascend the trail, more and more lodgepole pines will dot the path. As you climb the path, you will encounter an intersection. Stay left on the more primitive Citadel Mountain Trail.

    Notice Herman Lake on your left as you diverge away from the marked route. Follow your trail GPS and the cairns from this point forward. Hike up the rocky ridge and over the mountain's saddle. The path will guide you west up to the summit of Citadel Mountain. Bask in the expansive views of the alpine wilderness and notice Pettingell Peak across the ridge in the north. Admire the vistas before beginning your descent. When you are ready, backtrack along the path down to the parking lot.

    Getting to the Citadel Mountain Hike Trailhead

    The Citadel Mountain Hike begins at the Herman Gulch trailhead off the I-70.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      Dispersed Backcountry Camping, restrictions apply.

    • When to do

      June-October

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Poor

    • Crowd Levels

      Low

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Citadel Mountain Hike Elevation Graph

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