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13,789 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Animas Mtn

Animas Mtn is a 13,789 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Animas Mtn. East Ridge: 11 mi, 6,215 ft of gain, Class 3.

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Animas Mtn in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Animas Mtn at a glance

  • Elevation13,789 ft4,202 m
  • RouteAnimas Mtn. East RidgeClass 3
  • Distance11 mi6,215 ft gain
  • Time11 – 13 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado

Climbing the Animas Mtn. East Ridge

Animas Mtn sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Animas Mtn. East Ridge, rated Class 3. Plan about 11 miles round-trip with roughly 6,215 ft of gain from about 8,235 ft. 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. A helmet is wise on loose Class 3 sections. Carry extra water above treeline.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (35–55 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
  • Helmet

What to watch for

  • Storms
  • High altitude
  • Loose rock
  • Steep exposure
  • Route-finding difficulty

Quests with Animas Mtn

Peaks near Animas Mtn

  1. Monitor Peak

    Monitor Peak

    13,707 ft · 0.5 mi away

  2. Fifteen Peak

    Fifteen Peak

    13,671 ft · 1.1 mi away

  3. Pigeon Peak

    Pigeon Peak

    13,977 ft · 1.2 mi away

  4. Turret Peak

    Turret Peak

    13,837 ft · 1.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Animas Mtn?

Animas Mtn is 13,789 feet (4,202 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.

How does Animas Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,789 feet, Animas Mtn is the 59th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to climb Animas Mtn?

The Animas Mtn. East Ridge is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 11 miles with 6,215 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Animas Mtn?

Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Animas Mtn. East Ridge, covering 11 miles with 6,215 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Animas Mtn dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.

Do you need a helmet for Animas Mtn?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Animas Mtn. East Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.

Will you get altitude sickness on Animas Mtn?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Animas Mtn reaches 13,789 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 climbing Animas Mtn?

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 climb Animas Mtn?

The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Animas Mtn 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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