Mount Parnassus (Winter 13er)

Feb 6

ABSTRACT

Late November trail report for Mount Parnassus via Watrous Gulch from the Herman Gulch trailhead: 8.38 miles out-and-back, 3,753 ft gain, 13,576 ft summit. Expect cold sun, tree cover below treeline, and snow-packed sections. Gear tips, pacing, and optional Bard Peak add-on.

Keywords

Mount Parnassus hike
Watrous Gulch Trail
Colorado 13er hike
Herman Gulch trailhead
Mount Parnassus trail report
late November hiking Colorado
winter hiking Colorado Front Range
microspikes for hiking Colorado
Mount Parnassus late November conditions
Watrous Gulch trail snow and ice
Mount Parnassus Bard Peak ridge traverse
Herman Gulch trailhead parking tips
best gear for a Colorado 13er in November

Colorado Hikes: Mount Parnassus

Time of Year: Late November.

Weather: 28-35 degrees and sunny.

Cover: 35% covered with a tree canopy (fully exposed over 11,500 feet).

Time: 8:08 am - 1:10 pm.

Distance: 8.38 miles total.

Cost: None.

Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes (if you’re brave enough :))

Difficulty: Hard Level 2 for altitude (13576 feet), elevation gain (3753 feet), class (1), and length (8.38 miles).

Route: Watrous Gulch Trail out and back.

Traffic: Low (one other person).

Parking: A huge lot with five spaces remaining at 8:00 am. Why? Because everyone else was hiking the Herman Gulch Trail. The lot is just off of 70 before the tunnel.

Equipment: La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX Hiking Boots, Black Diamond Alpon Carbon Cork Trekking Poles, Osprey Talon 33 Backpack, Kahtoola MICROspikes

Terrain: A crunchy, light snow-packed trail with many dry dirt sections, for now.

Experience: Intended to climb Bard (another 13er across the ridge), too, but it looked like a storm was rolling in. For those eager to do it, allow an extra 60-90 minutes to cross class 2 terrain. All class 1 until that point, though. Expect snowshoe and avalanche terrain over the next few weeks (December). This is a less-frequented path off the Herman Gulch trailhead with beautiful views on a knee-busting slope. No time wasted-you start climbing up right away. Ideal for hikers with great muscular endurance!

Personal Trainer Notes: Not all personal training clients will choose this trail unless they are hikers with winter ambitions on a 13er. I completed this trail a year earlier and felt my quads the next day. It was no different after this trek. The effort was worth the sweeping views and the peace at the top. Admittedly, I wouldn’t have minded a chair and a coffee with a mile left. I suspect there would be avalanche danger with more snowfall.

Research-Based Citations

Wang B, Chen S, Song J, Huang D, Xiao G. (2024). Recent advances in predicting acute mountain sickness: from multidimensional cohort studies to cutting-edge model applications. Frontiers in Physiology.
PMID: 38978820
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1397280
Publisher: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2024.1397280
Yang M, Wu Y, Yang X-B, Liu T, Zhang Y, Zhuo Y, Luo Y, Zhang N. (2023). Establishing a prediction model of severe acute mountain sickness using machine learning of support vector machine recursive feature elimination. Scientific Reports.
PMID: 36944699
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31797-0
Publisher: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-31797-0
Koshimizu Y, Fukuhara A, Yamamoto Y, Kijima A. (2026). Adaptive gait transition in trekking pole-assisted hiking due to fatigue and staircase height elevation. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living.
PMID: N/A (not listed on PubMed at time of review)
DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2025.1669574
Publisher: https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1669574

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How hard is Mount Parnassus via Watrous Gulch?
Hard: a sustained climb at ~13,500 ft and ~3,700 ft of gain makes it a muscular endurance day.
When is the best time to start?
Early morning. You started at ~8:08 am; for shoulder season/winter, earlier is safer for firm snow and weather windows.
Do I need microspikes?
If there’s packed snow/ice, yes—microspikes are a high-value, low-weight traction add for late fall/early winter.
Is there tree cover?
Mostly below treeline. Once you’re above ~11,500 ft, expect full exposure to sun/wind.
How long does the hike take?
Your outing was ~5 hours (8:08 am–1:10 pm). Strong hikers may go faster; many will take longer with snow, breaks, or altitude.
How crowded is Watrous Gulch compared to Herman Gulch proper?
Often less crowded once you split off—your day had very low traffic. (This is a nice differentiator vs the more popular Herman Gulch lake hike.)
Can I add Bard Peak?
Yes, but plan extra time (your estimate of ~60–90 minutes is reasonable) and expect more complex terrain and the need for winter hazard management.
What are the biggest late-November risks?
Altitude effects, rapidly changing weather, and increasing snowpack that can transition into avalanche terrain as winter progresses.
What training carries over best to this hike?
Uphill muscular endurance: step-ups, split squats, long incline treadmill or stair work, plus hiking-specific pacing.
What’s the simplest “don’t overthink it” gear list?
Warm layers, traction (microspikes when needed), trekking poles, a pack with food/water, and a conservative turnaround time.

List of Hiking Trails in Colorado

To check out more hiking reviews with pictures, visit “List of Colorado Hikes.” You’ll find options across a spectrum of difficulty, including many trails in the foothills and front range.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER

As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.

Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).

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