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13,575 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Broken Hand Peak

Broken Hand Peak is a 13,575 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Broken Hand Peak: 11 mi, 3,880 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Broken Hand Peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Broken Hand Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,575 ft4,137 m
  • RouteBroken Hand PeakClass 2
  • Distance11 mi3,880 ft gain
  • Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado

Climbing the Broken Hand Peak

Broken Hand Peak sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is Broken Hand Peak, rated Class 2. Plan about 11.4 miles round-trip with roughly 3,880 ft of gain from about 9,900 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 (35–55 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 Broken Hand Peak

Peaks near Broken Hand Peak

  1. Crestolita

    Crestolita

    13,264 ft · 0.5 mi away

  2. Crestone Needle

    Crestone Needle

    14,197 ft · 0.8 mi away

  3. Pico Aislado

    Pico Aislado

    13,621 ft · 1.0 mi away

  4. UN 13028

    UN 13028

    13,028 ft · 1.1 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Broken Hand Peak?

Broken Hand Peak is 13,575 feet (4,137 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.

How does Broken Hand Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,575 feet, Broken Hand Peak is the 152nd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Broken Hand Peak?

The Broken Hand Peak is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 11 miles with 3,880 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Broken Hand Peak?

Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Broken Hand Peak, covering 11 miles with 3,880 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Broken Hand Peak?

The Broken Hand Peak needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 11 miles with 3,880 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 Broken Hand Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Broken Hand Peak reaches 13,575 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 Broken Hand Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 8 – 10 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Broken Hand 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 Broken Hand 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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