Yak logoYAK
  1. …
  2. Yak
  3. Quests
  4. Colorado 13ers
  5. Cassi Peak

13,242 ft · Elk Mountains, Colorado

Cassi Peak

Cassi Peak is a 13,242 ft peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Cassi Peak NW face: 8 mi, 1,950 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado 13ers
Cassi Peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado

Cassi Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,242 ft4,036 m
  • RouteCassi Peak NW faceClass 2
  • Distance8 mi1,950 ft gain
  • Time5 – 7 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeElk MountainsColorado

Climbing the Cassi Peak NW face

Cassi Peak sits in the Elk Mountains. The usual ascent is Cassi Peak NW face, rated Class 2. Plan about 8 miles round-trip with roughly 1,950 ft of gain from about 9,716 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 Cassi Peak

Peaks near Cassi Peak

  1. Golden Tops

    Golden Tops

    13,262 ft · 0.3 mi away

  2. Precarious Peak

    Precarious Peak

    13,378 ft · 0.7 mi away

  3. UN 13144

    UN 13144

    13,144 ft · 1.5 mi away

  4. UN 13223

    UN 13223

    13,223 ft · 2.3 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Cassi Peak?

Cassi Peak is 13,242 feet (4,036 m) tall. It is in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. It is also known as Cassi Peak.

How does Cassi Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,242 feet, Cassi Peak is the 393rd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Cassi Peak?

The Cassi Peak NW face 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 1,950 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Cassi Peak?

Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Cassi Peak NW face, covering 8 miles with 1,950 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Cassi Peak?

The Cassi Peak NW face needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 8 miles with 1,950 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 Cassi Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Cassi Peak reaches 13,242 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 Cassi 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 Cassi 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 Cassi 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

App StoreGoogle Play