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- Conundrum Peak
14,037 ft · Elk Mountains, Colorado
Conundrum Peak
Conundrum Peak is a 14,037 ft peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the South Ridge: 13 mi, 5,072 ft of gain, Class 2.
Conundrum Peak at a glance
- Elevation14,037 ft4,278 m
- RouteSouth RidgeClass 2
- Distance13 mi5,072 ft gain
- Time7 – 10 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeElk MountainsColorado
Climbing the South Ridge
From Aspen, Colorado, drive to the Montezuma Basin area and take the Castle Peak approach route. Conundrum is typically climbed as an extension from Castle Peak via the connecting ridge. The traverse involves Class 2 terrain with some loose rock sections. Late season (August-September) tends to have more stable rock conditions. Watch for afternoon weather on the exposed ridge. Often considered a "bonus peak" after climbing Castle. The round trip from trailhead including both peaks is about 13 miles with significant elevation gain. Start early for this demanding day.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (30–40 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Storms
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- Steep exposure
- High winds
- Low visibility
Conundrum Peak on Yak
Climbers have shared 16 climbs of Conundrum Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Conundrum Peak
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ersPeaks near Conundrum Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Conundrum Peak?
Conundrum Peak is 14,037 feet (4,278 m) tall. It is in the Elk Mountains, Colorado.
How does Conundrum Peak rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,037 feet, Conundrum Peak is the 47th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Conundrum Peak?
The South Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 13 miles with 5,072 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Conundrum Peak?
Most people take 7 – 10 hours round trip on the South Ridge, covering 13 miles with 5,072 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Conundrum Peak?
The South Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 13 miles with 5,072 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 Conundrum Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Conundrum Peak reaches 14,037 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 Conundrum Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 7 – 10 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike Conundrum 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.
What is the trailhead elevation for Conundrum Peak?
The South Ridge starts at about 10,910 feet, roughly 3,127 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Conundrum Peak?
The standard route is the South Ridge. Other routes include the Combo: Castle Peak and Conundrum Peak.
Climb Conundrum 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