Colorado School of Mines will hold its annual M Climb on Aug. 21 to welcome first-year students to campus.
A Mines tradition dating back to 1908, the M Climb brings together the newest class of Orediggers every year the Friday before fall classes begin. Students climb Mount Zion in Golden, carrying 10-pound rocks from their hometowns. Upon reaching the top, students place their rocks on the mountainside emblem in the shape of an M, visible throughout Golden and beyond.
Mines Class of 2030: By the numbers
Mines received about 12,968 applications for the 2026-27 academic year and will welcome 1,698 first-year and transfer students to campus this fall. Fall classes at Mines begin Monday, Aug. 24.
1,698 first-year and transfer students
20 percent first-generation college students
2.5 percent international students
3.87 median high school GPA (on an unweighted 4.0 scale)
1390 median SAT composite score
32 median ACT score
47 states represented
31 countries represented
Top 3 U.S. states outside Colorado: Texas, California and Washington
M Climb logistics
Timing
The M Climb will kick off around 7:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22 in the Intramural Fields (1651 Elm St., Golden). Students will depart in two waves, at 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
Route
Students will walk from the IM Fields to 19th Street, cross over U.S. 6 and then climb up Lookout Mountain Road to the M on Mount Zion. After the climb, students will walk back to campus for additional Helluva Welcome activities.
Note on Access
During the M Climb, Lookout Mountain Road will be closed at the stone pillars across from Beverly Heights Park from 6:45 a.m. until 1 p.m. (or until all the students are off the road).
About Mines
Colorado School of Mines is a public R1 research university focused on applied science and engineering, producing the talent, knowledge and innovations to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future.
