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13,997 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Grizzly Peak

Grizzly Peak is a 13,997 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the East Ridge: 6 mi, 2,800 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado Centennials
Grizzly Peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Grizzly Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,997 ft4,266 m
  • RouteEast RidgeClass 2
  • Distance6 mi2,800 ft gain
  • Time4 – 6 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the East Ridge

From Aspen, drive east on Highway 82 toward Independence Pass and turn south on Lincoln Creek Road (FR 106). Continue past Grizzly Reservoir to McNasser Gulch; the upper road is rough and needs 4WD. The East Ridge is difficult Class 2 on talus with considerable exposure, rockfall, and route-finding. Snow lingers in the gulch into July. Start before dawn to be off the ridge ahead of afternoon storms, and wear a helmet. Garfield Peak to the south makes an easy Class 3 add-on along the connecting 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

  • Rockfall
  • Loose rock
  • Steep exposure
  • Route-finding difficulty
  • Storms

Quests with Grizzly Peak

Peaks near Grizzly Peak

  1. Garfield Peak

    Garfield Peak

    13,778 ft · 0.8 mi away

  2. Truro Peak

    Truro Peak

    13,298 ft · 1.8 mi away

  3. Middle Mtn

    Middle Mtn

    13,108 ft · 2.4 mi away

  4. UN 13102

    UN 13102

    13,102 ft · 2.4 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Grizzly Peak?

Grizzly Peak is 13,997 feet (4,266 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Grizzly Peak rank among the Colorado Centennials?

At 13,997 feet, Grizzly Peak is the 54th highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.

How hard is it to hike Grizzly Peak?

The East 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 2,800 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Grizzly Peak?

Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the East Ridge, covering 6 miles with 2,800 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Grizzly Peak?

The East Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 6 miles with 2,800 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 Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Grizzly Peak reaches 13,997 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 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 Grizzly 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 Grizzly 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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