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13,577 ft · Front Range, Colorado

Chiefs Head Peak

Chiefs Head Peak is a 13,577 ft peak in the Front Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Chiefs Head - via Stone Man Pass: 16 mi, 4,395 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado 13ers
Chiefs Head Peak in the Front Range, Colorado

Chiefs Head Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,577 ft4,138 m
  • RouteChiefs Head - via Stone Man PassClass 2
  • Distance16 mi4,395 ft gain
  • Time11 – 13 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeFront RangeColorado

Climbing the Chiefs Head - via Stone Man Pass

Chiefs Head Peak sits in the Front Range. The usual ascent is Chiefs Head - via Stone Man Pass, rated Class 2. Plan about 16.8 miles round-trip with roughly 4,395 ft of gain from about 9,185 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 (55–75 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 Chiefs Head Peak

Peaks near Chiefs Head Peak

  1. Pagoda Mtn

    Pagoda Mtn

    13,488 ft · 0.8 mi away

  2. McHenrys Peak

    McHenrys Peak

    13,330 ft · 1.3 mi away

  3. Mount Alice

    Mount Alice

    13,319 ft · 1.4 mi away

  4. Longs Peak

    Longs Peak

    14,259 ft · 1.4 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Chiefs Head Peak?

Chiefs Head Peak is 13,577 feet (4,138 m) tall. It is in the Front Range, Colorado.

How does Chiefs Head Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,577 feet, Chiefs Head Peak is the 148th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Chiefs Head Peak?

The Chiefs Head - via Stone Man Pass is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 16 miles with 4,395 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Chiefs Head Peak?

Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Chiefs Head - via Stone Man Pass, covering 16 miles with 4,395 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Chiefs Head Peak?

The Chiefs Head - via Stone Man Pass needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 16 miles with 4,395 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 Chiefs Head Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Chiefs Head Peak reaches 13,577 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 Chiefs Head Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 11 – 13 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Chiefs Head 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 Chiefs Head 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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