Yak logoYAK
  1. …
  2. Yak
  3. Quests
  4. Colorado 13ers
  5. Gilpin Peak

13,699 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Gilpin Peak

Gilpin Peak is a 13,699 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Gilpin Peak - North Ridge/Couloir: 5 mi, 2,395 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado 13ers
Gilpin Peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Gilpin Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,699 ft4,175 m
  • RouteGilpin Peak - North Ridge/CouloirClass 2
  • Distance5 mi2,395 ft gain
  • Time4 – 6 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado

Climbing the Gilpin Peak - North Ridge/Couloir

Gilpin Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Gilpin Peak - North Ridge/Couloir, rated Class 2. Plan about 5.5 miles round-trip with roughly 2,395 ft of gain from about 11,380 ft. Expect a rough 4WD approach road. 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 Gilpin Peak

Peaks near Gilpin Peak

  1. Mount Emma

    Mount Emma

    13,592 ft · 0.8 mi away

  2. Mount Sneffels

    Mount Sneffels

    14,150 ft · 1.2 mi away

  3. Cirque Mtn

    Cirque Mtn

    13,692 ft · 1.7 mi away

  4. Dallas Peak

    Dallas Peak

    13,812 ft · 1.7 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Gilpin Peak?

Gilpin Peak is 13,699 feet (4,175 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.

How does Gilpin Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,699 feet, Gilpin Peak is the 94th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Gilpin Peak?

The Gilpin Peak - North Ridge/Couloir is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 5 miles with 2,395 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Gilpin Peak?

Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Gilpin Peak - North Ridge/Couloir, covering 5 miles with 2,395 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Gilpin Peak?

The Gilpin Peak - North Ridge/Couloir needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 5 miles with 2,395 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 Gilpin Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Gilpin Peak reaches 13,699 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 Gilpin 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 Gilpin 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 Gilpin 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

App StoreGoogle Play