Brokeoff Mountain
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The upper ridge is fully exposed with steep drop-offs on multiple sides. High winds can gust without warning above tree line — if conditions deteriorate, turn back rather than pushing for the summit.
Snow lingers on the upper trail well into June and sometimes July. Early-season hikers may encounter icy traverses on north-facing slopes where a slip could send you down a serious incline. Microspikes are worth the pack weight if you're hiking before mid-July.
Fallen trees across the trail can force detours onto unstable terrain. Watch your footing when climbing over or around blowdowns, especially on wet days when bark and rock become slick.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Start early — not just for cooler temps, but because afternoon thunderstorms roll in fast during summer months. A 7 AM start puts you on the summit before the clouds build.
The trail crosses several small streams in the lower section that dry up by late summer. If you're hiking July or later, carry all the water you'll need for the full roundtrip — there's no reliable source above the first mile.
The false summit about three-quarters of the way up fools almost everyone. When you think you're close, you've still got a rocky ridgeline traverse ahead. Save some energy for it — the final push along the exposed ridge is where the real views open up.
Photos
NPS
