Yak logoYAK
  1. …
  2. Yak
  3. Quests
  4. Colorado 13ers
  5. Hancock Peak

13,111 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Hancock Peak

Hancock Peak is a 13,111 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Hancock Peak NE Slope: 4 mi, 2,070 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado 13ers
Hancock Peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Hancock Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,111 ft3,996 m
  • RouteHancock Peak NE SlopeClass 2
  • Distance4 mi2,070 ft gain
  • Time3 – 5 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Hancock Peak NE Slope

Hancock Peak sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Hancock Peak NE Slope, rated Class 2. Plan about 4.4 miles round-trip with roughly 2,070 ft of gain from about 11,060 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 (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 Hancock Peak

Peaks near Hancock Peak

  1. Monumental Peak

    Monumental Peak

    13,375 ft · 2.2 mi away

  2. Mount Aetna

    Mount Aetna

    13,747 ft · 3.8 mi away

  3. Grizzly Mtn

    Grizzly Mtn

    13,722 ft · 3.8 mi away

  4. Cyclone Mtn

    Cyclone Mtn

    13,616 ft · 4.5 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Hancock Peak?

Hancock Peak is 13,111 feet (3,996 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. It is also known as Hancock Peak.

How does Hancock Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,111 feet, Hancock Peak is the 506th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Hancock Peak?

The Hancock Peak NE Slope is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 4 miles with 2,070 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Hancock Peak?

Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the Hancock Peak NE Slope, covering 4 miles with 2,070 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Hancock Peak?

The Hancock Peak NE Slope needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 4 miles with 2,070 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 Hancock Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Hancock Peak reaches 13,111 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 Hancock 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 Hancock 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 Hancock 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

App StoreGoogle Play