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- Dallas Peak
13,812 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Dallas Peak
Dallas Peak is a 13,812 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Dallas Peak West Ridge: 10 mi, 4,500 ft of gain, Class 5.
Dallas Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,812 ft4,209 m
- RouteDallas Peak West RidgeClass 5
- Distance10 mi4,500 ft gain
- Time11 – 13 hrsExtreme effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Dallas Peak West Ridge
Dallas Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Dallas Peak West Ridge, rated Class 5. Plan about 10 miles round-trip with roughly 4,500 ft of gain from about 9,420 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 a helmet; rope may be prudent for less experienced parties on the crux.
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
Helmet
Harness
Rope
Belay Device
Carabiners
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Dallas Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Dallas Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Dallas Peak?
Dallas Peak is 13,812 feet (4,209 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Dallas Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,812 feet, Dallas Peak is the 50th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Dallas Peak?
The Dallas Peak West Ridge is Class 5, which means technical climbing with a rope and protection. Yak rates the overall effort extreme: 10 miles with 4,500 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Dallas Peak?
Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Dallas Peak West Ridge, covering 10 miles with 4,500 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Dallas 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 Dallas Peak?
Most parties bring one. The Dallas Peak West Ridge is Class 5, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Will you get altitude sickness on Dallas Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Dallas Peak reaches 13,812 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 Dallas Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 11 – 13 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Dallas 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 Dallas 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