Mount Moss

Mount Moss

La Plata Mountains of Colorado | Kerry Hargrove

Mount Moss is a rugged 13,194-foot summit in the La Plata Mountains of southwestern Colorado, rising immediately southeast of Lavender Peak and Hesperus Mountain. Located northwest of Durango on the boundary between Montezuma and La Plata counties, the mountain occupies one of the most dramatic concentrations of high peaks in the southwestern San Juan Mountains.

For many years, Mount Moss was considered an independently ranked Colorado thirteener while neighboring Lavender Peak was treated as a subsidiary summit. Improved measurements eventually reversed that relationship. Modern LiDAR data raised Mount Moss’s elevation slightly to about 13,194 feet but confirmed that Lavender Peak rises higher and has sufficient prominence to qualify as the ranked summit. Mount Moss now falls short of Colorado’s commonly used 300-foot prominence threshold.

That does little to diminish the mountain itself. Mount Moss offers a broad rocky summit, impressive views of Hesperus and Lavender, Class 2 alpine scrambling, and an excellent vantage point for studying some of the La Plata Mountains’ most intimidating ridges.

⚡ Fast Facts

Feature	Details
Country	United States
State	Colorado
Counties	Montezuma and La Plata counties
Mountain Range	La Plata Mountains
Parent Range	San Juan Mountains
Elevation	Approximately 13,194 feet / 4,022 meters
Prominence	Approximately 231 feet / 70 meters
Isolation	Approximately 0.23 mile / 0.37 kilometer
Nearest Higher Neighbor (NHN)	Lavender Peak
Line Parent	Lavender Peak
Coordinates	37.43892° N, 108.07817° W
USGS Topographic Map	La Plata
Land Management	San Juan National Forest
Common Trailhead	Sharkstooth–Hesperus Trailhead
Standard Route	Northwest Ridge from Lavender Peak
Standard Difficulty	Class 2
Best Season	July through September

Current climbing databases list Mount Moss at approximately 13,194 feet following LiDAR refinement. It is no longer considered a ranked Colorado summit because the rise from the saddle toward Lavender Peak is only about 231 feet.

🏔️ Third-Highest Summit in the La Plata Mountains

Mount Moss is the third-highest summit in the La Plata Mountains.

The highest peaks of the range include:

Hesperus Mountain — approximately 13,238 feet
Lavender Peak — approximately 13,237 feet
Mount Moss — approximately 13,194 feet
Babcock Peak — approximately 13,160 feet
Spiller Peak — approximately 13,134 feet
Centennial Peak — approximately 13,068 feet

The extraordinarily small elevation differences among Hesperus, Lavender, and Mount Moss help explain why older maps and peak lists struggled to establish their precise topographic relationships.

Modern LiDAR has made the hierarchy considerably clearer.

🧭 Nearest Higher Neighbor: Lavender Peak

Mount Moss’s Nearest Higher Neighbor is Lavender Peak, immediately to the northwest.

The two summits are separated by only about a quarter mile, and Lavender rises approximately 43 feet higher.

A shallow saddle connects them.

That connecting saddle is important because it leaves Mount Moss with only about 230 feet of topographic prominence—below the 300-foot threshold commonly used by Colorado peak baggers to determine whether a summit is independently ranked.

The hierarchy continues westward:

Mount Moss → Lavender Peak → Hesperus Mountain

Hesperus Mountain is the dominant peak of the entire La Plata range, with nearly 2,850 feet of prominence.

📏 Why Mount Moss Is No Longer a Ranked Thirteener

Mount Moss has an interesting place in Colorado peak-bagging history.

Older topographic information indicated that Mount Moss had enough prominence to count as an independent thirteener, while Lavender Peak appeared to lack the necessary 300 feet of rise.

Later climbers and researchers questioned those measurements.

Modern LiDAR eventually confirmed that Lavender Peak is substantially more prominent than older mapping suggested, while Mount Moss rises only about 231 feet above the saddle connecting it to Lavender.

As a result, Lavender became a ranked thirteener and Mount Moss was demoted to unranked status.

The change is an excellent example of how modern elevation technology continues to refine mountain lists that once depended on contour intervals and field estimates.

🗺️ What Does “Unranked” Mean?

Calling Mount Moss “unranked” does not mean that it is insignificant or not a real mountain.

It simply refers to a convention used by many Colorado peak baggers.

A summit generally needs at least 300 feet of topographic prominence to appear as a separate ranked peak on Colorado lists.

Mount Moss falls below that threshold.

Its summit still rises well above 13,000 feet, has an official geographic name, and presents a substantial mountain objective.

In fact, someone climbing Mount Moss from a valley trailhead may gain thousands of vertical feet—far more physical climbing than would be required to reach many technically ranked summits.

🥾 Hiking Mount Moss

Mount Moss can be approached several ways, but one of the most common modern itineraries combines it with Hesperus Mountain and Lavender Peak.

Using the Sharkstooth–Hesperus Trailhead, climbers typically:

Ascend Hesperus Mountain.
Traverse east to Lavender Peak.
Scramble across Lavender’s Class 3 summit towers.
Descend Lavender’s southeast side.
Cross the saddle to Mount Moss.
Follow Class 2 talus to the summit.

Climb13ers lists the complete Hesperus–Lavender–Moss outing at approximately 5.55 miles round trip with about 3,172 feet of elevation gain.

The numbers are deceptively modest because much of the day occurs off trail on loose alpine terrain.

🥾 Northwest Ridge From Lavender Peak

From Lavender Peak, Mount Moss is comparatively straightforward.

The one-way distance is only about 0.3 mile with roughly 292 feet of additional elevation gain.

Climbers descend southeast from Lavender across loose rock to the connecting saddle and then climb toward Mount Moss on talus and rubble.

The route is generally Class 2 with minimal exposure.

Climb13ers describes the traverse as having no major difficulties beyond the abundant talus.

This makes Mount Moss considerably easier than Lavender Peak, whose summit requires exposed Class 3 scrambling.

🧗 Mount Moss vs. Lavender Peak

The contrast between the neighboring mountains is striking.

Lavender Peak culminates in dramatic towers of large blocks. Reaching its highest point involves hands-on Class 3 scrambling, route-finding, and moderate exposure.

Mount Moss is much gentler.

Its upper ridge consists primarily of:

Talus
Loose rubble
Boulder hopping
Broad rocky slopes
Relatively simple route-finding

The standard northwest ridge is generally Class 2.

For climbers traversing all three peaks, reaching Mount Moss after Lavender can almost feel relaxing.

🥾 A Direct Route Through Tomahawk Basin

Mount Moss can also be approached more directly from Tomahawk Basin rather than as an extension of the Hesperus–Lavender traverse.

One established description begins along La Plata Canyon Road at approximately 9,880 feet and follows Forest Service Road 798 toward historic mining remains.

The route enters Tomahawk Basin before climbing toward Mount Moss’s south ridge.

A documented version covers roughly 8 miles round trip with about 3,800 feet of elevation gain. The upper south ridge contains Class 2+ talus scrambling.

This route provides a much more substantial Mount Moss-centered outing and avoids requiring climbers to negotiate Lavender Peak’s technical summit towers.

🌄 Tomahawk Basin

Tomahawk Basin is one of the most impressive alpine basins in the La Plata Mountains.

It lies beneath Mount Moss, Lavender Peak, Babcock Peak, and neighboring ridges.

The basin combines open tundra, talus fields, steep mountain walls, waterfalls, and remnants of historic mining activity.

From the basin floor, Mount Moss’s south ridge rises directly overhead.

The view also reveals just how complex the surrounding terrain is. Sharp ridges divide enormous cirques, while steep couloirs descend from the higher summits.

For hikers interested more in scenery than summit collecting, Tomahawk Basin can be a rewarding destination in its own right.

⛏️ Tomahawk Mining History

Mining activity reached Tomahawk Basin during the early 20th century.

The Tomahawk Mining Company constructed a stamp mill in 1904 while prospectors explored mineralized veins within the La Plata intrusive complex.

Historical accounts indicate that precious-metal recovery ultimately proved disappointing, and major operations ended by about 1911.

Remains of mining roads and structures survive in the basin.

These historic features should be left undisturbed.

Visitors should also stay out of abandoned mine openings. Old workings may contain hidden shafts, unstable ceilings, contaminated water, poor air, and deteriorated timbers.

🪨 Geology of Mount Moss

Mount Moss belongs to the unusual La Plata Mountains intrusive complex.

Millions of years ago, magma forced its way upward into older layers of sedimentary rock.

Rather than all reaching the surface as volcanic eruptions, much of the magma cooled underground.

These intrusions formed stocks, dikes, sills, and other resistant igneous bodies.

Heat and pressure altered adjacent sedimentary rocks while the force of the intrusions warped and uplifted the surrounding layers.

Erosion later removed enormous quantities of softer material, eventually exposing the dramatic mountain landscape visible today.

🪨 Diorite and Intrusive Rock

Dioritic and related intrusive rocks are especially important in the La Plata Mountains.

The resistant igneous material forms many of the range’s cliffs, ridges, towers, and blocky summit areas.

Mount Moss itself presents huge quantities of talus produced as frost, water, and gravity repeatedly fracture exposed bedrock.

The loose terrain encountered by climbers is therefore the modern expression of a geological story that began deep underground millions of years ago.

This geology also played a direct role in the range’s mining history because mineral-bearing fluids circulated through fractures associated with the intrusive bodies.

🪨 The South Ridge

The south ridge provides a more independent way of climbing Mount Moss.

From upper Tomahawk Basin, hikers ascend steeply toward a ridge around 12,700 feet before turning north toward the summit.

The route contains chunky talus and can reach Class 2+ depending on the exact line.

Although technically easier than Lavender Peak, sustained off-trail travel and unstable rocks require attention.

The ridge also gives climbers dramatic views toward the Babcock Peak complex.

For experienced hikers who want Mount Moss to feel like a full summit climb rather than an add-on after Lavender, the Tomahawk Basin route is particularly appealing.

🌄 Views Toward Babcock Peak

Mount Moss provides one of the best positions for studying nearby Babcock Peak.

The complex Babcock ridge rises south and southeast of Mount Moss and includes a collection of dramatic summits, towers, and knife-edged features.

From Mount Moss, climbers can examine routes toward West Babcock, Middle Babcock, East Babcock, Spiller Peak, and associated rocky formations.

Climb13ers specifically notes that the Mount Moss summit provides an excellent opportunity to study possible Babcock routes from Tomahawk Basin.

Babcock is considerably more serious climbing terrain and should not be approached simply because it appears close.

🌄 Views Toward Hesperus Mountain

Looking west from Mount Moss, Hesperus Mountain dominates the skyline.

Hesperus is only about 44 feet higher in absolute elevation, but its enormous prominence makes it a completely different kind of mountain.

Its dark, banded cliffs and broad summit massif rise beyond Lavender Peak.

The view is especially useful for understanding the geometry of the range.

Mount Moss and Lavender appear as high subsidiary summits associated with a much more geographically dominant Hesperus massif.

🏔️ Views of Lavender Peak

Few places provide a better perspective on Lavender Peak than Mount Moss.

From the summit or connecting saddle, Lavender’s unusual towers become dramatically apparent.

The mountain looks substantially more technical from this angle than the comparatively rounded Mount Moss.

Climbers who have just traversed Lavender can look back and trace their path among the towers and gullies.

Those approaching Mount Moss independently can instead appreciate Lavender from a safe distance without committing to its Class 3 scramble.

🌄 Centennial Peak

Centennial Peak rises directly north of Mount Moss and adds another dramatic ridge to the summit panorama.

A sharp, complicated crest connects the broader Lavender–Moss area toward Centennial.

Experienced climbers have traversed portions of this ridge, but it includes far more serious terrain than the ordinary Mount Moss route.

The ridge is a good reminder that apparent proximity on a topographic map does not necessarily translate to easy travel in the La Plata Mountains.

Short horizontal distances can hide cliffs, towers, loose rock, and difficult scrambling.

🌲 Forest Below Treeline

Lower elevations around Mount Moss support forests characteristic of southwestern Colorado.

Depending on elevation and exposure, hikers may encounter:

Quaking aspen
Engelmann spruce
Subalpine fir
Douglas-fir
Ponderosa pine

Aspen groves can be particularly impressive during autumn.

As elevation increases, forest gradually gives way to subalpine meadow and then alpine tundra.

By the time climbers reach the upper Mount Moss ridges, essentially no trees remain.

🌼 Alpine Tundra

Mount Moss’s upper slopes lie entirely within Colorado’s alpine zone.

Plants growing here must tolerate a short growing season, intense sunlight, freezing temperatures, strong winds, heavy snow, and thin soils.

Low-growing grasses and wildflowers occupy protected spaces among the rocks.

Although alpine tundra can look tough, it is extremely fragile.

Plants may take decades to recover after repeated trampling.

Where possible, climbers should use existing routes, talus, gravel, snow, or other durable surfaces.

🐿️ Wildlife

The La Plata Mountains support a variety of Rocky Mountain wildlife.

Pikas are often heard around high talus fields.

Yellow-bellied marmots use rocky slopes and alpine meadows.

Elk and mule deer are common lower on the mountain, while black bears inhabit forested portions of the range.

Golden eagles and other raptors may occasionally be seen above the summits.

Food should be secured when camping, and wildlife should never be fed or approached closely.

🌩️ Summer Thunderstorms

Lightning is one of the greatest dangers on Mount Moss.

Like most Colorado thirteeners, the summit lies completely exposed above treeline.

During July and August, thunderstorms commonly develop during the afternoon.

Potential hazards include:

Lightning
Hail
Heavy rain
Strong winds
Sudden temperature drops
Reduced visibility

An early start is particularly important when combining Mount Moss with Hesperus and Lavender because the scrambling and route-finding can consume much more time than the mileage suggests.

❄️ Lingering Snow

Snowfields can remain around Mount Moss well into summer.

The gullies and basins between Hesperus, Lavender, Mount Moss, and Babcock contain numerous shaded slopes where snow melts slowly.

Early-season snow can either simplify travel or create additional hazards depending on its condition.

Hard, steep snow may require an ice axe and traction.

Later in summer, many of these same slopes become loose talus and scree.

Conditions should therefore be evaluated independently rather than assuming a route will resemble photographs from another year.

🍂 Best Time to Climb Mount Moss

July through September generally offers the most practical conditions.

July

Snowfields may remain, while alpine wildflowers can be excellent.

August

Most standard routes are likely to be more snow-free, but afternoon thunderstorms are frequent.

September

Cooler temperatures and reduced thunderstorm activity often produce excellent climbing weather.

Autumn snowstorms can arrive suddenly.

Even during midsummer, temperatures above 13,000 feet can fall below freezing overnight.

🎒 What to Bring

A Mount Moss climb requires normal Colorado high-country preparation even though its standard route is only Class 2.

Useful equipment includes:

Sturdy hiking footwear
Offline GPS mapping
Paper topographic map
Compass
Plenty of drinking water
Water-treatment equipment for longer routes
Warm layers
Waterproof shell
Sun protection
Gloves
Food and extra snacks
First-aid kit
Headlamp
Emergency communication device

A helmet becomes more worthwhile when Mount Moss is combined with Lavender Peak because of that mountain’s Class 3 scrambling and loose terrain.

🫁 High-Altitude Considerations

Mount Moss rises almost 13,200 feet above sea level.

Even hikers in excellent physical condition can feel the effects of altitude.

Possible symptoms include:

Headache
Fatigue
Dizziness
Nausea
Poor appetite
Unusual shortness of breath

Visitors traveling from low elevation should consider spending time acclimatizing before attempting the summit.

Worsening symptoms are a reason to descend.

Altitude can also slow movement considerably, which is important when estimating how long the three-peak Hesperus–Lavender–Moss traverse will require.

🏔️ Mount Moss vs. Lavender Peak

Mount Moss and Lavender Peak are excellent examples of how mountain statistics and climbing difficulty can tell very different stories.

Lavender is:

Slightly higher
More prominent
Officially ranked
Class 3
More exposed

Mount Moss is:

Slightly lower
Less prominent
Currently unranked
Generally Class 2
Much easier technically

Yet Mount Moss remains a substantial 13,000-foot mountain with excellent views and enough off-trail terrain to provide a satisfying summit experience.

🏔️ Mount Moss vs. Hesperus Mountain

Hesperus Mountain is the dominant summit of the La Plata Mountains.

Hesperus and Mount Moss differ in elevation by less than 50 feet, but their prominence values could hardly be more different.

Hesperus has nearly 2,850 feet of prominence.

Mount Moss has only about 230 feet.

That enormous difference demonstrates why elevation alone is not a measure of how independently a mountain rises.

Hesperus dominates an entire range.

Mount Moss rises from the already high ridge system attached to it through Lavender Peak.

🌟 Why Mount Moss Is Worth Climbing

Mount Moss may have lost its status as a ranked Colorado thirteener, but it has lost none of its appeal.

The summit still rises to approximately 13,194 feet in one of the most rugged corners of the La Plata Mountains. Its broad rocky crest provides exceptional views of Lavender Peak, Hesperus Mountain, Centennial Peak, Babcock Peak, and the sprawling high country of the San Juan Mountains.

Climbers can approach it as an easier continuation of the Hesperus–Lavender traverse or make Mount Moss the centerpiece of a longer adventure through Tomahawk Basin.

Its changing ranking also adds an unusual layer of mountaineering history.

Improved LiDAR measurements transformed Lavender from a subsidiary summit into a ranked thirteener and relegated Mount Moss to unranked status—without changing either mountain by a single stone.

For hikers, that is a useful reminder that lists and statistics are tools for understanding mountains, not definitions of their worth.

Mount Moss remains exactly what it has always been: a beautiful, rugged, high summit in the heart of Colorado’s La Plata Mountains.

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