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13,398 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Gold Dust Peak

Gold Dust Peak is a 13,398 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Gold Dust Pk West Ridge: 10 mi, 3,950 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Gold Dust Peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Gold Dust Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,398 ft4,083 m
  • RouteGold Dust Pk West RidgeClass 2
  • Distance10 mi3,950 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Gold Dust Pk West Ridge

Gold Dust Peak sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Gold Dust Pk West Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 10.5 miles round-trip with roughly 3,950 ft of gain from about 9,440 ft. Expect high clearance for the drive. 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 (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
  • Route-finding difficulty

Quests with Gold Dust Peak

Peaks near Gold Dust Peak

  1. Pika Peak

    Pika Peak

    13,130 ft · 0.8 mi away

  2. Mount Jackson

    Mount Jackson

    13,675 ft · 3.1 mi away

  3. Ribbed Peak

    Ribbed Peak

    13,089 ft · 3.7 mi away

  4. Holy Cross Ridge

    Holy Cross Ridge

    13,850 ft · 6.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Gold Dust Peak?

Gold Dust Peak is 13,398 feet (4,083 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Gold Dust Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,398 feet, Gold Dust Peak is the 269th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Gold Dust Peak?

The Gold Dust Pk West Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 10 miles with 3,950 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Gold Dust Peak?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Gold Dust Pk West Ridge, covering 10 miles with 3,950 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Gold Dust Peak?

The Gold Dust Pk West Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 10 miles with 3,950 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 Gold Dust Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Gold Dust Peak reaches 13,398 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 Gold Dust 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 Gold Dust 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 Gold Dust 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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