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13,577 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Gibbs Peak

Gibbs Peak is a 13,577 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Gibbs Peak NW & SW Ridges: 26 mi, 8,200 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Gibbs Peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Gibbs Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,577 ft4,138 m
  • RouteGibbs Peak NW & SW RidgesClass 2
  • Distance26 mi8,200 ft gain
  • Time17 – 19 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado

Climbing the Gibbs Peak NW & SW Ridges

Gibbs Peak sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is Gibbs Peak NW & SW Ridges, rated Class 2. Plan about 26.25 miles round-trip with roughly 8,200 ft of gain from about 9,130 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 (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

What to watch for

  • Storms
  • High altitude
  • Route-finding difficulty

Quests with Gibbs Peak

Peaks near Gibbs Peak

  1. De Anza Peak

    De Anza Peak

    13,391 ft · 1.1 mi away

  2. Silver Peak

    Silver Peak

    13,517 ft · 2.4 mi away

  3. Electric Peak

    Electric Peak

    13,618 ft · 2.6 mi away

  4. Spread Eagle Peak

    Spread Eagle Peak

    13,436 ft · 2.9 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Gibbs Peak?

Gibbs Peak is 13,577 feet (4,138 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.

How does Gibbs Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,577 feet, Gibbs Peak is the 148th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Gibbs Peak?

The Gibbs Peak NW & SW Ridges is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 26 miles with 8,200 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Gibbs Peak?

Most people take 17 – 19 hours round trip on the Gibbs Peak NW & SW Ridges, covering 26 miles with 8,200 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Gibbs Peak?

The Gibbs Peak NW & SW Ridges needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 26 miles with 8,200 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 Gibbs Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Gibbs Peak reaches 13,577 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 Gibbs Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 17 – 19 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Gibbs 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 Gibbs 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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