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- Fifteen Peak
13,671 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Fifteen Peak
Fifteen Peak is a 13,671 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Peak Fifteen South Couloir: 14 mi, 7,800 ft of gain, Class 5.
Fifteen Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,671 ft4,166 m
- RoutePeak Fifteen South CouloirClass 5
- Distance14 mi7,800 ft gain
- Time16 – 18 hrsExtreme effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Peak Fifteen South Couloir
Fifteen Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Peak Fifteen South Couloir, rated Class 5. Plan about 14 miles round-trip with roughly 7,800 ft of gain from about 8,235 ft. 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 a helmet; rope may be prudent for less experienced parties on the crux.
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
Harness
Rope
Belay Device
Carabiners
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Fifteen Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Fifteen Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Fifteen Peak?
Fifteen Peak is 13,671 feet (4,166 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. It is also known as Fifteen, Peak.
How does Fifteen Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,671 feet, Fifteen Peak is the 109th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Fifteen Peak?
The Peak Fifteen South Couloir is Class 5, which means technical climbing with a rope and protection. Yak rates the overall effort extreme: 14 miles with 7,800 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Fifteen Peak?
Most people take 16 – 18 hours round trip on the Peak Fifteen South Couloir, covering 14 miles with 7,800 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Fifteen 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 rope to climb Fifteen Peak?
Most parties bring one. The Peak Fifteen South Couloir is Class 5, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Will you get altitude sickness on Fifteen Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Fifteen Peak reaches 13,671 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 Fifteen Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 16 – 18 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Fifteen 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 Fifteen 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