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13,112 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Bushnell Peak

Bushnell Peak is a 13,112 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Bushnell WSW Ridge: 5 mi, 3,975 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Bushnell Peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Bushnell Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,112 ft3,996 m
  • RouteBushnell WSW RidgeClass 2
  • Distance5 mi3,975 ft gain
  • Time5 – 7 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado

Climbing the Bushnell WSW Ridge

Bushnell Peak sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is Bushnell WSW Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 5.5 miles round-trip with roughly 3,975 ft of gain from about 9,140 ft. Expect a rough 4WD approach road. 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 Bushnell Peak

Peaks near Bushnell Peak

  1. Twin Sisters North

    Twin Sisters North

    13,009 ft · 0.8 mi away

  2. Hunts Peak

    Hunts Peak

    13,061 ft · 4.2 mi away

  3. Cottonwood Peak

    Cottonwood Peak

    13,597 ft · 11.1 mi away

  4. Eagle Peak

    Eagle Peak

    13,215 ft · 11.9 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Bushnell Peak?

Bushnell Peak is 13,112 feet (3,996 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.

How does Bushnell Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,112 feet, Bushnell Peak is the 504th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Bushnell Peak?

The Bushnell WSW Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 5 miles with 3,975 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Bushnell Peak?

Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Bushnell WSW Ridge, covering 5 miles with 3,975 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Bushnell Peak?

The Bushnell WSW Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 5 miles with 3,975 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 Bushnell Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Bushnell Peak reaches 13,112 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 Bushnell 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 Bushnell 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 Bushnell 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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