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- Five Peak
13,291 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Five Peak
Five Peak is a 13,291 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Peak Five Northeast Ridge: 20 mi, 5,150 ft of gain, Class 3.
Five Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,291 ft4,051 m
- RoutePeak Five Northeast RidgeClass 3
- Distance20 mi5,150 ft gain
- Time16 – 18 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Peak Five Northeast Ridge
Five Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Peak Five Northeast Ridge, rated Class 3. Plan about 20 miles round-trip with roughly 5,150 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. A helmet is wise on loose Class 3 sections. Carry extra water above treeline.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (55–75 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
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Five Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Five Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Five Peak?
Five Peak is 13,291 feet (4,051 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. It is also known as Five, Peak.
How does Five Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,291 feet, Five Peak is the 353rd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Five Peak?
The Peak Five Northeast Ridge is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 20 miles with 5,150 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Five Peak?
Most people take 16 – 18 hours round trip on the Peak Five Northeast Ridge, covering 20 miles with 5,150 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Five 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 helmet for Five Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Peak Five Northeast Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on Five Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Five Peak reaches 13,291 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 Five 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 Five 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 Five 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