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13,222 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Ellingwood Ridge

Ellingwood Ridge is a 13,222 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Ellingwood Ridge via La Plata Trail: 8 mi, 3,900 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Ellingwood Ridge in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Ellingwood Ridge at a glance

  • Elevation13,222 ft4,030 m
  • RouteEllingwood Ridge via La Plata TrailClass 2
  • Distance8 mi3,900 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Ellingwood Ridge via La Plata Trail

Ellingwood Ridge sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Ellingwood Ridge via La Plata Trail, rated Class 2. Plan about 8 miles round-trip with roughly 3,900 ft of gain from about 10,175 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 (30–40 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 Ellingwood Ridge

Peaks near Ellingwood Ridge

  1. La Plata Peak

    La Plata Peak

    14,336 ft · 1.4 mi away

  2. Rinker Peak

    Rinker Peak

    13,789 ft · 1.7 mi away

  3. Mount Blaurock

    Mount Blaurock

    13,626 ft · 2.7 mi away

  4. Mount Hope

    Mount Hope

    13,939 ft · 3.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Ellingwood Ridge?

Ellingwood Ridge is 13,222 feet (4,030 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Ellingwood Ridge rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,222 feet, Ellingwood Ridge is the 414th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Ellingwood Ridge?

The Ellingwood Ridge via La Plata Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 8 miles with 3,900 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Ellingwood Ridge?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Ellingwood Ridge via La Plata Trail, covering 8 miles with 3,900 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Ellingwood Ridge?

The Ellingwood Ridge via La Plata Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 8 miles with 3,900 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 Ellingwood Ridge?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Ellingwood Ridge reaches 13,222 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 Ellingwood Ridge?

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 Ellingwood Ridge?

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 Ellingwood Ridge 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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