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13,297 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Electric Peak

Electric Peak is a 13,297 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Electric Peak B South Ridge: 23 mi, 6,200 ft of gain, Class 3.

Electric Peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Electric Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,297 ft4,052 m
  • RouteElectric Peak B South RidgeClass 3
  • Distance23 mi6,200 ft gain
  • Time19 – 21 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado

Climbing the Electric Peak B South Ridge

Electric Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Electric Peak B South Ridge, rated Class 3. Plan about 23.5 miles round-trip with roughly 6,200 ft of gain from about 10,630 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 (55–75 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 Electric Peak

Peaks near Electric Peak

  1. Arrow Peak

    Arrow Peak

    13,817 ft · 0.6 mi away

  2. Graystone Peak

    Graystone Peak

    13,503 ft · 0.7 mi away

  3. Vestal Peak

    Vestal Peak

    13,867 ft · 1.0 mi away

  4. Mount Garfield

    Mount Garfield

    13,087 ft · 1.1 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Electric Peak?

Electric Peak is 13,297 feet (4,052 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.

How does Electric Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,297 feet, Electric Peak is the 351st highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to climb Electric Peak?

The Electric Peak B South Ridge 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: 23 miles with 6,200 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Electric Peak?

Most people take 19 – 21 hours round trip on the Electric Peak B South Ridge, covering 23 miles with 6,200 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Electric 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 helmet for Electric Peak?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Electric Peak B South Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.

Will you get altitude sickness on Electric Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Electric Peak reaches 13,297 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 Electric Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 19 – 21 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to climb Electric 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 Electric 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