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13,450 ft · Front Range, Colorado

Apache Peak

Apache Peak is a 13,450 ft peak in the Front Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Apache Peak ESE Couloir (AKA the "Ledges"): 10 mi, 2,905 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Apache Peak in the Front Range, Colorado

Apache Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,450 ft4,099 m
  • RouteApache Peak ESE Couloir (AKA the "Ledges")Class 2
  • Distance10 mi2,905 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeFront RangeColorado

Climbing the Apache Peak ESE Couloir (AKA the "Ledges")

Apache Peak sits in the Front Range. The usual ascent is Apache Peak ESE Couloir (AKA the "Ledges"), rated Class 2. Plan about 10.4 miles round-trip with roughly 2,905 ft of gain from about 10,535 ft. The trailhead is typically reachable by passenger car. 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 Apache Peak

Peaks near Apache Peak

  1. Navajo Peak

    Navajo Peak

    13,419 ft · 0.4 mi away

  2. Arikaree Peak

    Arikaree Peak

    13,164 ft · 1.0 mi away

  3. Kiowa Peak

    Kiowa Peak

    13,126 ft · 1.6 mi away

  4. North Arapaho Peak

    North Arapaho Peak

    13,513 ft · 2.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Apache Peak?

Apache Peak is 13,450 feet (4,099 m) tall. It is in the Front Range, Colorado.

How does Apache Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,450 feet, Apache Peak is the 238th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Apache Peak?

The Apache Peak ESE Couloir (AKA the "Ledges") is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 10 miles with 2,905 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Apache Peak?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Apache Peak ESE Couloir (AKA the "Ledges"), covering 10 miles with 2,905 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Apache Peak?

The Apache Peak ESE Couloir (AKA the "Ledges") needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 10 miles with 2,905 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 Apache Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Apache Peak reaches 13,450 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 Apache 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 Apache 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 Apache 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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