Yak logoYAK
  1. …
  2. Yak
  3. Quests
  4. Colorado 13ers
  5. Bard Peak

13,641 ft · Front Range, Colorado

Bard Peak

Bard Peak is a 13,641 ft peak in the Front Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Bard Peak West Ridge: 9 mi, 4,420 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado 13ers
Bard Peak in the Front Range, Colorado

Bard Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,641 ft4,157 m
  • RouteBard Peak West RidgeClass 2
  • Distance9 mi4,420 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeFront RangeColorado

Climbing the Bard Peak West Ridge

Bard Peak sits in the Front Range. The usual ascent is Bard Peak West Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 9.2 miles round-trip with roughly 4,420 ft of gain from about 10,310 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 Bard Peak

Peaks near Bard Peak

  1. Mount Parnassus

    Mount Parnassus

    13,580 ft · 1.0 mi away

  2. Engelmann Peak

    Engelmann Peak

    13,370 ft · 1.7 mi away

  3. Mount Sniktau

    Mount Sniktau

    13,239 ft · 4.1 mi away

  4. Kelso Mtn

    Kelso Mtn

    13,172 ft · 4.3 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Bard Peak?

Bard Peak is 13,641 feet (4,157 m) tall. It is in the Front Range, Colorado.

How does Bard Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,641 feet, Bard Peak is the 121st highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Bard Peak?

The Bard Peak West Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 9 miles with 4,420 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Bard Peak?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Bard Peak West Ridge, covering 9 miles with 4,420 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Bard Peak?

The Bard Peak West Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 9 miles with 4,420 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 Bard Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Bard Peak reaches 13,641 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 Bard 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 Bard 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 Bard 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