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13,206 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Bennett Peak

Bennett Peak is a 13,206 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Bennett Peak South Slopes: 7 mi, 2,105 ft of gain, Class 1.

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Bennett Peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Bennett Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,206 ft4,025 m
  • RouteBennett Peak South SlopesClass 1
  • Distance7 mi2,105 ft gain
  • Time5 – 7 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado

Climbing the Bennett Peak South Slopes

Bennett Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Bennett Peak South Slopes, rated Class 1. Plan about 7 miles round-trip with roughly 2,105 ft of gain from about 11,185 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. Stay on the trail, carry layers for cold wind, and turn around if weather builds. Stats and approach details follow climb13ers.com. Bring layers for cold wind on the summit ridge.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 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

Quests with Bennett Peak

Peaks near Bennett Peak

  1. Conejos Peak

    Conejos Peak

    13,176 ft · 15.4 mi away

  2. Montezuma Peak

    Montezuma Peak

    13,158 ft · 16.0 mi away

  3. Unicorn, The

    Unicorn, The

    13,030 ft · 16.6 mi away

  4. Summit Peak

    Summit Peak

    13,304 ft · 17.1 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Bennett Peak?

Bennett Peak is 13,206 feet (4,025 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.

How does Bennett Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,206 feet, Bennett Peak is the 434th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Bennett Peak?

The Bennett Peak South Slopes is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 7 miles with 2,105 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Bennett Peak?

Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Bennett Peak South Slopes, covering 7 miles with 2,105 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Bennett Peak?

The Bennett Peak South Slopes needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 7 miles with 2,105 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 Bennett Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Bennett Peak reaches 13,206 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 Bennett 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 Bennett 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 Bennett Peak with Yak

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