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13,286 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Bonita Peak

Bonita Peak is a 13,286 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Bonita Peak South Ridge: 2 mi, 1,265 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Bonita Peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Bonita Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,286 ft4,049 m
  • RouteBonita Peak South RidgeClass 2
  • Distance2 mi1,265 ft gain
  • Time2 – 4 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado

Climbing the Bonita Peak South Ridge

Bonita Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Bonita Peak South Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 2.6 miles round-trip with roughly 1,265 ft of gain from about 12,030 ft. Expect high clearance for the drive. 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 (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
  • Route-finding difficulty

Quests with Bonita Peak

Peaks near Bonita Peak

  1. Proposal Peak

    Proposal Peak

    13,339 ft · 1.0 mi away

  2. Hanson Peak

    Hanson Peak

    13,462 ft · 1.1 mi away

  3. UN 13078

    UN 13078

    13,078 ft · 1.8 mi away

  4. Brown Mtn

    Brown Mtn

    13,347 ft · 1.8 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Bonita Peak?

Bonita Peak is 13,286 feet (4,049 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.

How does Bonita Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,286 feet, Bonita Peak is the 358th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Bonita Peak?

The Bonita Peak South Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 2 miles with 1,265 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Bonita Peak?

Most people take 2 – 4 hours round trip on the Bonita Peak South Ridge, covering 2 miles with 1,265 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Bonita Peak?

Usually, if you are fit. The Bonita Peak South 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 Bonita Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Bonita Peak reaches 13,286 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 Bonita 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 Bonita 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 Bonita 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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