Yak logoYAK
  1. …
  2. Yak
  3. Quests
  4. Colorado Centennials
  5. Atlantic Peak

13,856 ft · Tenmile Range, Colorado

Atlantic Peak

Atlantic Peak is a 13,856 ft peak in the Tenmile Range, Colorado. The standard route is the North Ridge: 8 mi, 2,800 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado Centennials
Atlantic Peak in the Tenmile Range, Colorado

Atlantic Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,856 ft4,223 m
  • RouteNorth RidgeClass 2
  • Distance8 mi2,800 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeTenmile RangeColorado

Climbing the North Ridge

From Breckenridge, drive south on Highway 9 and turn west on Blue Lakes Road (CR 850). A Quandary Peak Trailhead parking reservation is required from mid-June to mid-September, with a free shuttle up McCullough Gulch Road (no road parking). Hike McCullough Gulch to Pacific Tarn, then climb Atlantic's north ridge on Class 2 talus with some exposure near the top. Snow can linger near the tarn into July. Pair with Pacific Peak. Start early for storms. Helmets are recommended on the upper ridge, and Pacific Tarn is a popular rest stop.

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

  • Loose rock
  • Steep exposure
  • Snow near summit
  • Storms

Quests with Atlantic Peak

Peaks near Atlantic Peak

  1. Pacific Peak

    Pacific Peak

    13,965 ft · 0.7 mi away

  2. Fletcher Mountain

    Fletcher Mountain

    13,943 ft · 0.7 mi away

  3. Quandary Peak

    Quandary Peak

    14,265 ft · 1.5 mi away

  4. Crystal Peak

    Crystal Peak

    13,860 ft · 1.6 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Atlantic Peak?

Atlantic Peak is 13,856 feet (4,223 m) tall. It is in the Tenmile Range, Colorado.

How does Atlantic Peak rank among the Colorado Centennials?

At 13,856 feet, Atlantic Peak is the 84th highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.

How hard is it to hike Atlantic Peak?

The North 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 2,800 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Atlantic Peak?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the North Ridge, covering 8 miles with 2,800 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Atlantic Peak?

The North Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 8 miles with 2,800 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 Atlantic Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Atlantic Peak reaches 13,856 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 Atlantic 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 Atlantic 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 Atlantic 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

App StoreGoogle Play