- …
- Yak
- Quests
- Colorado 13ers
- Bent Peak
13,405 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Bent Peak
Bent Peak is a 13,405 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Bent Peak East Ridge: 2 mi, 1,025 ft of gain, Class 1.
Bent Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,405 ft4,085 m
- RouteBent Peak East RidgeClass 1
- Distance2 mi1,025 ft gain
- Time2 – 4 hrsModerate effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Bent Peak East Ridge
Bent Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Bent Peak East Ridge, rated Class 1. Plan about 2.2 miles round-trip with roughly 1,025 ft of gain from about 12,370 ft. Expect a rough 4WD approach road. 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. Carry extra water above treeline.
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 Bent Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Bent Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Bent Peak?
Bent Peak is 13,405 feet (4,085 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Bent Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,405 feet, Bent Peak is the 264th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to hike Bent Peak?
The Bent Peak East Ridge is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 2 miles with 1,025 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Bent Peak?
Most people take 2 – 4 hours round trip on the Bent Peak East Ridge, covering 2 miles with 1,025 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Bent Peak?
Usually, if you are fit. The Bent Peak East Ridge is a common first summit for hikers ready for 2 – 4 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
Will you get altitude sickness on Bent Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Bent Peak reaches 13,405 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 Bent 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 Bent 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 Bent 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