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13,505 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Eureka Mtn

Eureka Mtn is a 13,505 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Eureka Mtn NW Ridge: 5 mi, 2,400 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Eureka Mtn in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Eureka Mtn at a glance

  • Elevation13,505 ft4,116 m
  • RouteEureka Mtn NW RidgeClass 2
  • Distance5 mi2,400 ft gain
  • Time4 – 6 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado

Climbing the Eureka Mtn NW Ridge

Eureka Mtn sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is Eureka Mtn NW Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 5.5 miles round-trip with roughly 2,400 ft of gain from about 11,970 ft. Expect a rough 4WD approach road. 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 Eureka Mtn

Peaks near Eureka Mtn

  1. Hermit Peak

    Hermit Peak

    13,311 ft · 1.2 mi away

  2. Pyramid Mtn

    Pyramid Mtn

    13,054 ft · 1.6 mi away

  3. Venable Peak

    Venable Peak

    13,333 ft · 1.8 mi away

  4. Rito Alto Peak

    Rito Alto Peak

    13,801 ft · 2.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Eureka Mtn?

Eureka Mtn is 13,505 feet (4,116 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.

How does Eureka Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,505 feet, Eureka Mtn is the 200th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Eureka Mtn?

The Eureka Mtn NW Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 5 miles with 2,400 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Eureka Mtn?

Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Eureka Mtn NW Ridge, covering 5 miles with 2,400 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Eureka Mtn?

The Eureka Mtn NW Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 5 miles with 2,400 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 Eureka Mtn?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Eureka Mtn reaches 13,505 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 Eureka Mtn?

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 Eureka Mtn?

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 Eureka Mtn 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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