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13,495 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Chipeta Mtn

Chipeta Mtn is a 13,495 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Chipeta Mountain South Ridge: 8 mi, 5,075 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Chipeta Mtn in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Chipeta Mtn at a glance

  • Elevation13,495 ft4,113 m
  • RouteChipeta Mountain South RidgeClass 2
  • Distance8 mi5,075 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Chipeta Mountain South Ridge

Chipeta Mtn sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Chipeta Mountain South Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 8 miles round-trip with roughly 5,075 ft of gain from about 10,840 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 (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

  • Storms
  • High altitude
  • Route-finding difficulty

Quests with Chipeta Mtn

Peaks near Chipeta Mtn

  1. Mount Ouray

    Mount Ouray

    13,979 ft · 1.9 mi away

  2. Antora Peak

    Antora Peak

    13,269 ft · 8.6 mi away

  3. Taylor Mtn

    Taylor Mtn

    13,655 ft · 9.9 mi away

  4. Mount Aetna

    Mount Aetna

    13,747 ft · 10.5 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Chipeta Mtn?

Chipeta Mtn is 13,495 feet (4,113 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Chipeta Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,495 feet, Chipeta Mtn is the 206th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Chipeta Mtn?

The Chipeta Mountain South 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 5,075 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Chipeta Mtn?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Chipeta Mountain South Ridge, covering 8 miles with 5,075 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Chipeta Mtn?

The Chipeta Mountain South Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 8 miles with 5,075 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 Chipeta Mtn?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Chipeta Mtn reaches 13,495 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 Chipeta Mtn?

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 Chipeta Mtn?

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 Chipeta Mtn 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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