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14,053 ft · Culebra Range, Colorado
Culebra Peak
Culebra Peak is a 14,053 ft peak in the Culebra Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Northwest Ridge: 4 mi, 2,824 ft of gain, Class 2.
Culebra Peak at a glance
- Elevation14,053 ft4,283 m
- RouteNorthwest RidgeClass 2
- Distance4 mi2,824 ft gain
- Time4 – 5 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeCulebra RangeColorado
Climbing the Northwest Ridge
From San Luis, Colorado, contact Cielo Vista Ranch well in advance to arrange access. This peak is on private property and requires a Cielo Vista Ranch reservation with fees ($150+ per person as of recent years). The ranch provides trailhead access and basic information. Once on the mountain, the Class 2 route is straightforward with good footing. Limited parking and visitor numbers are controlled by the ranch. This is the only 14er that requires paid access. Best visited July through September. The remote location in the Culebra Range offers solitude compared to other Colorado peaks.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (20–30 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
- Steep exposure
- Storms
- High winds
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
Culebra Peak on Yak
Climbers have shared 5 climbs of Culebra Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Culebra Peak
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Culebra Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Culebra Peak?
Culebra Peak is 14,053 feet (4,283 m) tall. It is in the Culebra Range, Colorado.
How does Culebra Peak rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,053 feet, Culebra Peak is the 43rd highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Culebra Peak?
The Northwest Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 4 miles with 2,824 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Culebra Peak?
Most people take 4 – 5 hours round trip on the Northwest Ridge, covering 4 miles with 2,824 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Culebra Peak?
The Northwest Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 4 miles with 2,824 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 Culebra Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Culebra Peak reaches 14,053 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 Culebra 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 Culebra 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.
What is the trailhead elevation for Culebra Peak?
The Northwest Ridge starts at about 11,630 feet, roughly 2,423 feet below the summit.
Climb Culebra 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