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- Grizzly Peak
13,700 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Grizzly Peak
Grizzly Peak is a 13,700 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Grizzly Peak C Gulch & NW Ridge: 28 mi, 9,800 ft of gain, Class 3.
Grizzly Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,700 ft4,175 m
- RouteGrizzly Peak C Gulch & NW RidgeClass 3
- Distance28 mi9,800 ft gain
- Time24 – 26 hrsExtreme effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Grizzly Peak C Gulch & NW Ridge
Grizzly Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Grizzly Peak C Gulch & NW Ridge, rated Class 3. Plan about 28.7 miles round-trip with roughly 9,800 ft of gain from about 11,800 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. A helmet is wise on loose Class 3 sections.
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
Helmet
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Grizzly Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Grizzly Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Grizzly Peak?
Grizzly Peak is 13,700 feet (4,175 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Grizzly Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,700 feet, Grizzly Peak is the 93rd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Grizzly Peak?
The Grizzly Peak C Gulch & NW Ridge is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort extreme: 28 miles with 9,800 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Grizzly Peak?
Most people take 24 – 26 hours round trip on the Grizzly Peak C Gulch & NW Ridge, covering 28 miles with 9,800 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Grizzly Peak dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a helmet for Grizzly Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Grizzly Peak C Gulch & NW Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on Grizzly Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Grizzly Peak reaches 13,700 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 climbing Grizzly Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 24 – 26 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Grizzly Peak?
The usual climbing 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