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13,120 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Francisco Peak

Francisco Peak is a 13,120 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Francisco North & South Ridges: 8 mi, 2,725 ft of gain, Class 1.

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Francisco Peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Francisco Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,120 ft3,998 m
  • RouteFrancisco North & South RidgesClass 1
  • Distance8 mi2,725 ft gain
  • Time5 – 7 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado

Climbing the Francisco North & South Ridges

Francisco Peak sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is Francisco North & South Ridges, rated Class 1. Plan about 8 miles round-trip with roughly 2,725 ft of gain from about 9,100 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. Stay on the trail, carry layers for cold wind, and turn around if weather builds. Stats and approach details follow climb13ers.com. Bring layers for cold wind on the summit ridge.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (30–40 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

Quests with Francisco Peak

Peaks near Francisco Peak

  1. UN 13226

    UN 13226

    13,226 ft · 2.7 mi away

  2. De Anza Peak

    De Anza Peak

    13,322 ft · 2.9 mi away

  3. UN 13569

    UN 13569

    13,569 ft · 3.0 mi away

  4. Mariquita Peak

    Mariquita Peak

    13,398 ft · 3.9 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Francisco Peak?

Francisco Peak is 13,120 feet (3,998 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.

How does Francisco Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,120 feet, Francisco Peak is the 498th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Francisco Peak?

The Francisco North & South Ridges is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 8 miles with 2,725 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Francisco Peak?

Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Francisco North & South Ridges, covering 8 miles with 2,725 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Francisco Peak?

The Francisco North & South Ridges needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 8 miles with 2,725 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 Francisco Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Francisco Peak reaches 13,120 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 Francisco 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 Francisco 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 Francisco 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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