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

13,538 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Ervin Peak

Ervin Peak is a 13,538 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Ervin West Ridge: 4 mi, 3,500 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado 13ers
Ervin Peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Ervin Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,538 ft4,126 m
  • RouteErvin West RidgeClass 2
  • Distance4 mi3,500 ft gain
  • Time4 – 6 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Ervin West Ridge

Ervin Peak sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Ervin West Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 4.5 miles round-trip with roughly 3,500 ft of gain from about 10,600 ft. Expect high clearance for the drive. 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. Carry extra water above treeline.

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 Ervin Peak

Peaks near Ervin Peak

  1. Mount Blaurock

    Mount Blaurock

    13,626 ft · 1.0 mi away

  2. Mount Hope

    Mount Hope

    13,939 ft · 1.6 mi away

  3. Rinker Peak

    Rinker Peak

    13,789 ft · 2.3 mi away

  4. Quail Mtn

    Quail Mtn

    13,465 ft · 2.5 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Ervin Peak?

Ervin Peak is 13,538 feet (4,126 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Ervin Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,538 feet, Ervin Peak is the 180th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Ervin Peak?

The Ervin West Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 4 miles with 3,500 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Ervin Peak?

Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Ervin West Ridge, covering 4 miles with 3,500 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Ervin Peak?

The Ervin West Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 4 miles with 3,500 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 Ervin Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Ervin Peak reaches 13,538 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 Ervin 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 Ervin 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 Ervin 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