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13,381 ft · Elk Mountains, Colorado

Buckskin BM

Buckskin BM is a 13,381 ft peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Buckskin BM South Ridge: 10 mi, 4,380 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Buckskin BM in the Elk Mountains, Colorado

Buckskin BM at a glance

  • Elevation13,381 ft4,078 m
  • RouteBuckskin BM South RidgeClass 2
  • Distance10 mi4,380 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeElk MountainsColorado

Climbing the Buckskin BM South Ridge

Buckskin BM sits in the Elk Mountains. The usual ascent is Buckskin BM South Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 10 miles round-trip with roughly 4,380 ft of gain from about 9,600 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 Buckskin BM

Peaks near Buckskin BM

  1. UN 13350

    UN 13350

    13,350 ft · 1.1 mi away

  2. UN 13048

    UN 13048

    13,048 ft · 1.2 mi away

  3. Willoughby Mtn

    Willoughby Mtn

    13,144 ft · 2.0 mi away

  4. Sleeping Sexton

    Sleeping Sexton

    13,457 ft · 2.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Buckskin BM?

Buckskin BM is 13,381 feet (4,078 m) tall. It is in the Elk Mountains, Colorado.

How does Buckskin BM rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,381 feet, Buckskin BM is the 282nd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Buckskin BM?

The Buckskin BM South Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 10 miles with 4,380 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Buckskin BM?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Buckskin BM South Ridge, covering 10 miles with 4,380 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Buckskin BM?

The Buckskin BM South Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 10 miles with 4,380 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 Buckskin BM?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Buckskin BM reaches 13,381 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 Buckskin BM?

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 Buckskin BM?

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 Buckskin BM 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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