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13,262 ft · Elk Mountains, Colorado

Golden Tops

Golden Tops is a 13,262 ft peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Golden Tops NE Ridge: 7 mi, 2,390 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Golden Tops in the Elk Mountains, Colorado

Golden Tops at a glance

  • Elevation13,262 ft4,042 m
  • RouteGolden Tops NE RidgeClass 2
  • Distance7 mi2,390 ft gain
  • Time5 – 7 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeElk MountainsColorado

Climbing the Golden Tops NE Ridge

Golden Tops sits in the Elk Mountains. The usual ascent is Golden Tops NE Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 7.3 miles round-trip with roughly 2,390 ft of gain from about 9,716 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 (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 Golden Tops

Peaks near Golden Tops

  1. Cassi Peak

    Cassi Peak

    13,242 ft · 0.3 mi away

  2. Precarious Peak

    Precarious Peak

    13,378 ft · 0.9 mi away

  3. UN 13144

    UN 13144

    13,144 ft · 1.7 mi away

  4. UN 13223

    UN 13223

    13,223 ft · 2.5 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Golden Tops?

Golden Tops is 13,262 feet (4,042 m) tall. It is in the Elk Mountains, Colorado.

How does Golden Tops rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,262 feet, Golden Tops is the 378th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Golden Tops?

The Golden Tops NE Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 7 miles with 2,390 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Golden Tops?

Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Golden Tops NE Ridge, covering 7 miles with 2,390 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Golden Tops?

The Golden Tops NE Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 7 miles with 2,390 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 Golden Tops?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Golden Tops reaches 13,262 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 Golden Tops?

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 Golden Tops?

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 Golden Tops 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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