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13,492 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Cuatro Peak

Cuatro Peak is a 13,492 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Cuatro Peak North Ridge: 12 mi, 4,355 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Cuatro Peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Cuatro Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,492 ft4,112 m
  • RouteCuatro Peak North RidgeClass 2
  • Distance12 mi4,355 ft gain
  • Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado

Climbing the Cuatro Peak North Ridge

Cuatro Peak sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is Cuatro Peak North Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 12.3 miles round-trip with roughly 4,355 ft of gain from about 10,550 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 Cuatro Peak

Peaks near Cuatro Peak

  1. Mount Maxwell

    Mount Maxwell

    13,337 ft · 0.6 mi away

  2. Leaning South Peak

    Leaning South Peak

    13,218 ft · 1.2 mi away

  3. Mariquita Peak

    Mariquita Peak

    13,398 ft · 1.4 mi away

  4. Trinchera Peak

    Trinchera Peak

    13,522 ft · 2.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Cuatro Peak?

Cuatro Peak is 13,492 feet (4,112 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.

How does Cuatro Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,492 feet, Cuatro Peak is the 212th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Cuatro Peak?

The Cuatro 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 4,355 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Cuatro Peak?

Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Cuatro Peak North Ridge, covering 12 miles with 4,355 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Cuatro Peak?

The Cuatro Peak North Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 12 miles with 4,355 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 Cuatro Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Cuatro Peak reaches 13,492 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 Cuatro 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 Cuatro 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 Cuatro 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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