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13,854 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

California Peak

California Peak is a 13,854 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the North Ridge: 8 mi, 3,815 ft of gain, Class 2.

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California Peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

California Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,854 ft4,222 m
  • RouteNorth RidgeClass 2
  • Distance8 mi3,815 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Sep
  • RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado

Climbing the North Ridge

From I-25, take exit 52 and follow Highway 69 to Gardner, then turn onto CR 550 and FS 580 up the Huerfano River through a state wildlife area to the Lily Lake Trailhead; high clearance is recommended for the upper road. Hike the Huerfano trail toward Blanca's north face, then climb Class 2 slopes onto California's north ridge and follow it to the summit. Huerfano Peak lies along the same ridge system. Start early for Sangre storms. Dispersed camping is available along the Huerfano River, and the valley is quiet midweek.

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

  • Loose rock
  • High winds
  • Storms

Quests with California Peak

Peaks near California Peak

  1. Ellingwood Point

    Ellingwood Point

    14,057 ft · 2.2 mi away

  2. UN 13557

    UN 13557

    13,557 ft · 2.3 mi away

  3. Blanca Peak

    Blanca Peak

    14,350 ft · 2.6 mi away

  4. Huerfanito

    Huerfanito

    13,083 ft · 2.8 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is California Peak?

California Peak is 13,854 feet (4,222 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.

How does California Peak rank among the Colorado Centennials?

At 13,854 feet, California Peak is the 85th highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.

How hard is it to hike California Peak?

The North Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 8 miles with 3,815 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike California Peak?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the North Ridge, covering 8 miles with 3,815 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike California Peak?

The North Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 8 miles with 3,815 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 California Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and California Peak reaches 13,854 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 California 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 California Peak?

The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb California 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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