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13,122 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Fitzpatrick Peak

Fitzpatrick Peak is a 13,122 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Fitzpatrick Peak west flank: 4 mi, 2,165 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Fitzpatrick Peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Fitzpatrick Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,122 ft3,999 m
  • RouteFitzpatrick Peak west flankClass 2
  • Distance4 mi2,165 ft gain
  • Time3 – 5 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Fitzpatrick Peak west flank

Fitzpatrick Peak sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Fitzpatrick Peak west flank, rated Class 2. Plan about 4.8 miles round-trip with roughly 2,165 ft of gain from about 12,035 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 (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 Fitzpatrick Peak

Peaks near Fitzpatrick Peak

  1. Fairview Peak

    Fairview Peak

    13,224 ft · 4.7 mi away

  2. Jones Mtn

    Jones Mtn

    13,214 ft · 6.0 mi away

  3. Hancock Peak

    Hancock Peak

    13,111 ft · 6.7 mi away

  4. Grizzly Mtn

    Grizzly Mtn

    13,722 ft · 8.4 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Fitzpatrick Peak?

Fitzpatrick Peak is 13,122 feet (3,999 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Fitzpatrick Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,122 feet, Fitzpatrick Peak is the 495th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Fitzpatrick Peak?

The Fitzpatrick Peak west flank 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 2,165 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Fitzpatrick Peak?

Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the Fitzpatrick Peak west flank, covering 4 miles with 2,165 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Fitzpatrick Peak?

The Fitzpatrick Peak west flank needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 4 miles with 2,165 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 Fitzpatrick Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Fitzpatrick Peak reaches 13,122 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 Fitzpatrick 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 Fitzpatrick 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 Fitzpatrick 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

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