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13,722 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Grizzly Mtn

Grizzly Mtn is a 13,722 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Grizzly Mountain South Ridge: 6 mi, 2,500 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado 13ers
Grizzly Mtn in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Grizzly Mtn at a glance

  • Elevation13,722 ft4,182 m
  • RouteGrizzly Mountain South RidgeClass 2
  • Distance6 mi2,500 ft gain
  • Time4 – 6 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Grizzly Mountain South Ridge

Grizzly Mtn sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Grizzly Mountain South Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 6.4 miles round-trip with roughly 2,500 ft of gain from about 11,222 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 Grizzly Mtn

Peaks near Grizzly Mtn

  1. Cyclone Mtn

    Cyclone Mtn

    13,616 ft · 1.3 mi away

  2. Cronin Peak

    Cronin Peak

    13,872 ft · 1.7 mi away

  3. Carbonate Mtn

    Carbonate Mtn

    13,662 ft · 1.9 mi away

  4. Boulder Mtn

    Boulder Mtn

    13,530 ft · 2.6 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Grizzly Mtn?

Grizzly Mtn is 13,722 feet (4,182 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Grizzly Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,722 feet, Grizzly Mtn is the 82nd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Grizzly Mtn?

The Grizzly Mountain South Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 6 miles with 2,500 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Grizzly Mtn?

Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Grizzly Mountain South Ridge, covering 6 miles with 2,500 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Grizzly Mtn?

The Grizzly Mountain South Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 6 miles with 2,500 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 Grizzly Mtn?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Grizzly Mtn reaches 13,722 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 Grizzly Mtn?

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 Grizzly Mtn?

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 Grizzly Mtn 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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