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13,275 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Darley Mtn

Darley Mtn is a 13,275 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Darley Mtn. South Ridge: 1 mi, 720 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Darley Mtn in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Darley Mtn at a glance

  • Elevation13,275 ft4,046 m
  • RouteDarley Mtn. South RidgeClass 2
  • Distance1 mi720 ft gain
  • Time1 – 3 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado

Climbing the Darley Mtn. South Ridge

Darley Mtn sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Darley Mtn. South Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 1.4 miles round-trip with roughly 720 ft of gain from about 12,415 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 layers for cold wind on the summit ridge.

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

  • Storms
  • High altitude
  • Route-finding difficulty

Quests with Darley Mtn

Peaks near Darley Mtn

  1. Engineer Mtn

    Engineer Mtn

    13,225 ft · 0.9 mi away

  2. UN 13140

    UN 13140

    13,140 ft · 0.9 mi away

  3. Wildhorse Peak

    Wildhorse Peak

    13,271 ft · 2.2 mi away

  4. Seigal Mtn

    Seigal Mtn

    13,281 ft · 2.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Darley Mtn?

Darley Mtn is 13,275 feet (4,046 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.

How does Darley Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,275 feet, Darley Mtn is the 366th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Darley Mtn?

The Darley Mtn. South Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 1 mile with 720 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Darley Mtn?

Most people take 1 – 3 hours round trip on the Darley Mtn. South Ridge, covering 1 mile with 720 feet of elevation gain.

Can a beginner hike Darley Mtn?

Usually, if you are fit. The Darley Mtn. South Ridge is a common first summit for hikers ready for 1 – 3 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

Will you get altitude sickness on Darley Mtn?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Darley Mtn reaches 13,275 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 Darley Mtn?

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 Darley Mtn?

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 Darley Mtn 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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