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13,872 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Cronin Peak

Cronin Peak is a 13,872 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the East Southeast Ridge: 2 mi, 1,200 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado Centennials
Cronin Peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Cronin Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,872 ft4,228 m
  • RouteEast Southeast RidgeClass 2
  • Distance2 mi1,200 ft gain
  • Time2 – 4 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the East Southeast Ridge

From Nathrop, take CR 162 up Chalk Creek to the Baldwin Gulch road (FR 277) and drive the Mount Antero road (FR 278) to about 12,700 feet. The road is rough, steep, and best in a short, high clearance 4WD. From the parking spot, follow the east southeast ridge on Class 2 talus to Cronin's summit. Without 4WD, park at the lower Baldwin Creek trailhead and add about 6 miles round trip. ATVs and jeeps share the road. The ridge is exposed to storms. Expect heavy jeep and ATV traffic on summer weekends, and plan to share the narrow road.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 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

  • Loose rock
  • High winds
  • Storms

Quests with Cronin Peak

Peaks near Cronin Peak

  1. Cyclone Mtn

    Cyclone Mtn

    13,616 ft · 1.6 mi away

  2. Grizzly Mtn

    Grizzly Mtn

    13,722 ft · 1.7 mi away

  3. Boulder Mtn

    Boulder Mtn

    13,530 ft · 1.8 mi away

  4. Carbonate Mtn

    Carbonate Mtn

    13,662 ft · 1.9 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Cronin Peak?

Cronin Peak is 13,872 feet (4,228 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Cronin Peak rank among the Colorado Centennials?

At 13,872 feet, Cronin Peak is the 74th highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.

How hard is it to hike Cronin Peak?

The East Southeast Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 2 miles with 1,200 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Cronin Peak?

Most people take 2 – 4 hours round trip on the East Southeast Ridge, covering 2 miles with 1,200 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Cronin Peak?

The East Southeast Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 2 miles with 1,200 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 Cronin Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Cronin Peak reaches 13,872 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 Cronin Peak?

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 Cronin Peak?

The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Cronin 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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