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13,905 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Casco Peak

Casco Peak is a 13,905 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the North Ridge: 11 mi, 4,555 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado Centennials

Casco Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,905 ft4,238 m
  • RouteNorth RidgeClass 2
  • Distance11 mi4,555 ft gain
  • Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the North Ridge

From Leadville, drive southwest on US 24, turn west on Highway 300, and follow CR 11 and FR 110 up Halfmoon Creek to the South Halfmoon Creek road; high clearance is needed and the creek crossing stops many vehicles. Hike up South Halfmoon Creek to the head of the basin, gain the ridge, and follow Casco's north ridge on Class 2+ talus with some exposed scrambling. Combine with French Mountain along the ridge. Start early; it is a long day for storms. Primitive campsites line the Halfmoon Creek road, and the valley is busy on summer weekends.

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

  • Loose rock
  • Steep exposure
  • Stream crossing
  • Storms

Quests with Casco Peak

Peaks near Casco Peak

  1. French Mountain

    French Mountain

    13,942 ft · 1.2 mi away

  2. Mount Champion

    Mount Champion

    13,645 ft · 1.9 mi away

  3. UN 13738

    UN 13738

    13,738 ft · 2.4 mi away

  4. Mount Elbert

    Mount Elbert

    14,440 ft · 2.6 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Casco Peak?

Casco Peak is 13,905 feet (4,238 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Casco Peak rank among the Colorado Centennials?

At 13,905 feet, Casco Peak is the 72nd highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.

How hard is it to hike Casco 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: 11 miles with 4,555 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Casco Peak?

Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the North Ridge, covering 11 miles with 4,555 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Casco Peak?

The North Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 11 miles with 4,555 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 Casco Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Casco Peak reaches 13,905 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 Casco 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 Casco 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 Casco 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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