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- Coxcomb Peak
13,663 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Coxcomb Peak
Coxcomb Peak is a 13,663 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Coxcomb South Ridge/Couloir: 8 mi, 2,900 ft of gain, Class 5.
Coxcomb Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,663 ft4,164 m
- RouteCoxcomb South Ridge/CouloirClass 5
- Distance8 mi2,900 ft gain
- Time8 – 10 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Coxcomb South Ridge/Couloir
Coxcomb Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Coxcomb South Ridge/Couloir, rated Class 5. Plan about 8 miles round-trip with roughly 2,900 ft of gain from about 10,750 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 a helmet; rope may be prudent for less experienced parties on the crux.
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
Helmet
Harness
Rope
Belay Device
Carabiners
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Coxcomb Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Coxcomb Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Coxcomb Peak?
Coxcomb Peak is 13,663 feet (4,164 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Coxcomb Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,663 feet, Coxcomb Peak is the 112th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Coxcomb Peak?
The Coxcomb South Ridge/Couloir is Class 5, which means technical climbing with a rope and protection. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 8 miles with 2,900 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Coxcomb Peak?
Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Coxcomb South Ridge/Couloir, covering 8 miles with 2,900 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Coxcomb Peak dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a rope to climb Coxcomb Peak?
Most parties bring one. The Coxcomb South Ridge/Couloir is Class 5, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Will you get altitude sickness on Coxcomb Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Coxcomb Peak reaches 13,663 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 climbing Coxcomb 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 climb Coxcomb Peak?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Coxcomb 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