Yak logoYAK
  1. …
  2. Yak
  3. Quests
  4. Colorado 13ers
  5. Dolores Peak

13,289 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Dolores Peak

Dolores Peak is a 13,289 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Dolores Peak North Ridge: 7 mi, 3,815 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado 13ers
Dolores Peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Dolores Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,289 ft4,050 m
  • RouteDolores Peak North RidgeClass 2
  • Distance7 mi3,815 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado

Climbing the Dolores Peak North Ridge

Dolores Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Dolores Peak North Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 7.5 miles round-trip with roughly 3,815 ft of gain from about 10,195 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 (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 Dolores Peak

Peaks near Dolores Peak

  1. Middle Peak

    Middle Peak

    13,305 ft · 1.4 mi away

  2. Boskoff Peak

    Boskoff Peak

    13,134 ft · 3.7 mi away

  3. Fowler Peak

    Fowler Peak

    13,507 ft · 4.8 mi away

  4. El Diente Peak

    El Diente Peak

    14,159 ft · 5.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Dolores Peak?

Dolores Peak is 13,289 feet (4,050 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.

How does Dolores Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,289 feet, Dolores Peak is the 356th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Dolores Peak?

The Dolores 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: 7 miles with 3,815 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Dolores Peak?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Dolores Peak North Ridge, covering 7 miles with 3,815 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Dolores Peak?

The Dolores Peak North Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 7 miles with 3,815 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 Dolores Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Dolores Peak reaches 13,289 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 Dolores 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 Dolores 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 Dolores 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

App StoreGoogle Play