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13,637 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Anderson Peak

Anderson Peak is a 13,637 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Anderson N & NW Ridge: 18 mi, 3,715 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Anderson Peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Anderson Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,637 ft4,156 m
  • RouteAnderson N & NW RidgeClass 2
  • Distance18 mi3,715 ft gain
  • Time11 – 13 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Anderson N & NW Ridge

Anderson Peak sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Anderson N & NW Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 18.5 miles round-trip with roughly 3,715 ft of gain from about 10,570 ft. Expect a rough 4WD approach road. 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 (55–75 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 Anderson Peak

Peaks near Anderson Peak

  1. Garfield Peak

    Garfield Peak

    13,778 ft · 2.3 mi away

  2. Truro Peak

    Truro Peak

    13,298 ft · 2.3 mi away

  3. Tellurium Peak

    Tellurium Peak

    13,311 ft · 2.6 mi away

  4. Grizzly Peak

    Grizzly Peak

    13,997 ft · 2.7 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Anderson Peak?

Anderson Peak is 13,637 feet (4,156 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. It is also known as Anderson Peak.

How does Anderson Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,637 feet, Anderson Peak is the 123rd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Anderson Peak?

The Anderson N & NW Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 18 miles with 3,715 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Anderson Peak?

Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Anderson N & NW Ridge, covering 18 miles with 3,715 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Anderson Peak?

The Anderson N & NW Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 18 miles with 3,715 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 Anderson Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Anderson Peak reaches 13,637 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 Anderson Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 11 – 13 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Anderson 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 Anderson 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

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