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- American Peak
13,814 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
American Peak
American Peak is a 13,814 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the American Pk West Ridge: 8 mi, 3,015 ft of gain, Class 2.
American Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,814 ft4,210 m
- RouteAmerican Pk West RidgeClass 2
- Distance8 mi3,015 ft gain
- Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the American Pk West Ridge
American Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is American Pk West Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 8.2 miles round-trip with roughly 3,015 ft of gain from about 10,790 ft. Expect high clearance for the drive. Summer monsoon storms build fast, so start early and be off the summit by early afternoon. Watch for loose rock, route-finding on talus, and brief exposed steps where the terrain steepens. Stats and approach details follow climb13ers.com. Bring layers for cold wind on the summit ridge.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (30–40 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with American Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near American Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is American Peak?
American Peak is 13,814 feet (4,210 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does American Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,814 feet, American Peak is the 49th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to hike American Peak?
The American Pk West Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 8 miles with 3,015 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike American Peak?
Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the American Pk West Ridge, covering 8 miles with 3,015 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike American Peak?
The American Pk West Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 8 miles with 3,015 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on American Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and American Peak reaches 13,814 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking American Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.
When is the best time to hike American Peak?
The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb American Peak with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list