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- Graystone Peak
13,503 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Graystone Peak
Graystone Peak is a 13,503 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Graystone East Ridge Approach: 25 mi, 6,600 ft of gain, Class 2.
Graystone Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,503 ft4,115 m
- RouteGraystone East Ridge ApproachClass 2
- Distance25 mi6,600 ft gain
- Time16 – 18 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Graystone East Ridge Approach
Graystone Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Graystone East Ridge Approach, rated Class 2. Plan about 25 miles round-trip with roughly 6,600 ft of gain from about 10,630 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 Graystone Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Graystone Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Graystone Peak?
Graystone Peak is 13,503 feet (4,115 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Graystone Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,503 feet, Graystone Peak is the 203rd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to hike Graystone Peak?
The Graystone East Ridge Approach is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 25 miles with 6,600 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Graystone Peak?
Most people take 16 – 18 hours round trip on the Graystone East Ridge Approach, covering 25 miles with 6,600 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Graystone Peak?
The Graystone East Ridge Approach needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 25 miles with 6,600 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 Graystone Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Graystone Peak reaches 13,503 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 Graystone Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 16 – 18 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike Graystone 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 Graystone 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