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13,419 ft · Gore Range, Colorado

Eagles Nest

Eagles Nest is a 13,419 ft peak in the Gore Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Eagle's Nest South Ridge/West Slope: 13 mi, 5,160 ft of gain, Class 3.

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Eagles Nest in the Gore Range, Colorado

Eagles Nest at a glance

  • Elevation13,419 ft4,090 m
  • RouteEagle's Nest South Ridge/West SlopeClass 3
  • Distance13 mi5,160 ft gain
  • Time12 – 14 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeGore RangeColorado

Climbing the Eagle's Nest South Ridge/West Slope

Eagles Nest sits in the Gore Range. The usual ascent is Eagle's Nest South Ridge/West Slope, rated Class 3. Plan about 13.9 miles round-trip with roughly 5,160 ft of gain from about 9,360 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. A helmet is wise on loose Class 3 sections.

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

What to watch for

  • Storms
  • High altitude
  • Loose rock
  • Steep exposure
  • Route-finding difficulty

Quests with Eagles Nest

Peaks near Eagles Nest

  1. Mount Powell

    Mount Powell

    13,556 ft · 1.1 mi away

  2. Pk G

    Pk G

    13,306 ft · 3.3 mi away

  3. Pk Q

    Pk Q

    13,239 ft · 5.1 mi away

  4. Pk R

    Pk R

    13,000 ft · 5.3 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Eagles Nest?

Eagles Nest is 13,419 feet (4,090 m) tall. It is in the Gore Range, Colorado.

How does Eagles Nest rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,419 feet, Eagles Nest is the 256th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to climb Eagles Nest?

The Eagle's Nest South Ridge/West Slope is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 13 miles with 5,160 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Eagles Nest?

Most people take 12 – 14 hours round trip on the Eagle's Nest South Ridge/West Slope, covering 13 miles with 5,160 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Eagles Nest 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 helmet for Eagles Nest?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Eagle's Nest South Ridge/West Slope, so a helmet is on the gear list.

Will you get altitude sickness on Eagles Nest?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Eagles Nest reaches 13,419 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 Eagles Nest?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 12 – 14 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to climb Eagles Nest?

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 Eagles Nest 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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