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13,309 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Grizzly Peak

Grizzly Peak is a 13,309 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Grizzly Peak E NE Ridge: 9 mi, 4,810 ft of gain, Class 2.

Grizzly Peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Grizzly Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,309 ft4,056 m
  • RouteGrizzly Peak E NE RidgeClass 2
  • Distance9 mi4,810 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Grizzly Peak E NE Ridge

Grizzly Peak sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Grizzly Peak E NE Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 9.15 miles round-trip with roughly 4,810 ft of gain from about 10,295 ft. Expect high clearance for the drive. 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 (35–55 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 Peak

Peaks near Grizzly Peak

  1. UN 13145

    UN 13145

    13,145 ft · 0.9 mi away

  2. Sheep Rock Mtn

    Sheep Rock Mtn

    13,261 ft · 1.6 mi away

  3. Jenkins Mtn

    Jenkins Mtn

    13,440 ft · 1.9 mi away

  4. Virginia Peak

    Virginia Peak

    13,094 ft · 2.6 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Grizzly Peak?

Grizzly Peak is 13,309 feet (4,056 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Grizzly Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,309 feet, Grizzly Peak is the 339th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Grizzly Peak?

The Grizzly Peak E NE Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 9 miles with 4,810 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Grizzly Peak?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Grizzly Peak E NE Ridge, covering 9 miles with 4,810 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Grizzly Peak?

The Grizzly Peak E NE Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 9 miles with 4,810 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 13,309 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