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- Cow BM
13,116 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Cow BM
Cow BM is a 13,116 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Cow Benchmark SE Ridge: 10 mi, 3,090 ft of gain, Class 2.
Cow BM at a glance
- Elevation13,116 ft3,997 m
- RouteCow Benchmark SE RidgeClass 2
- Distance10 mi3,090 ft gain
- Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Cow Benchmark SE Ridge
Cow BM sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Cow Benchmark SE Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 10.45 miles round-trip with roughly 3,090 ft of gain from about 12,415 ft. Expect a rough 4WD approach road. 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 Cow BM
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Cow BM
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Cow BM?
Cow BM is 13,116 feet (3,997 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Cow BM rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,116 feet, Cow BM is the 501st highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to hike Cow BM?
The Cow Benchmark SE Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 10 miles with 3,090 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Cow BM?
Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Cow Benchmark SE Ridge, covering 10 miles with 3,090 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Cow BM?
The Cow Benchmark SE Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 10 miles with 3,090 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 Cow BM?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Cow BM reaches 13,116 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 Cow BM?
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 Cow BM?
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 Cow BM 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