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13,277 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Comanche Peak

Comanche Peak is a 13,277 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Comanche Peak North Ridge: 12 mi, 4,220 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Comanche Peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Comanche Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,277 ft4,046 m
  • RouteComanche Peak North RidgeClass 2
  • Distance12 mi4,220 ft gain
  • Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado

Climbing the Comanche Peak North Ridge

Comanche Peak sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is Comanche Peak North Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 12.6 miles round-trip with roughly 4,220 ft of gain from about 9,060 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 Comanche Peak

Peaks near Comanche Peak

  1. Spring Mtn

    Spring Mtn

    13,248 ft · 0.7 mi away

  2. Venable Peak

    Venable Peak

    13,333 ft · 1.2 mi away

  3. Fluted Peak

    Fluted Peak

    13,576 ft · 1.5 mi away

  4. Horn Peak

    Horn Peak

    13,454 ft · 1.6 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Comanche Peak?

Comanche Peak is 13,277 feet (4,046 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.

How does Comanche Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,277 feet, Comanche Peak is the 364th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Comanche Peak?

The Comanche Peak North Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 12 miles with 4,220 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Comanche Peak?

Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Comanche Peak North Ridge, covering 12 miles with 4,220 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Comanche Peak?

The Comanche Peak North Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 12 miles with 4,220 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 Comanche Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Comanche Peak reaches 13,277 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 Comanche 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 Comanche 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 Comanche 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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