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- Handies Peak
14,048 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Handies Peak
Handies Peak is a 14,048 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Via American Basin Trail: 5 mi, 2,440 ft of gain, Class 1.
Handies Peak at a glance
- Elevation14,048 ft4,281 m
- RouteVia American Basin TrailClass 1
- Distance5 mi2,440 ft gain
- Time4 – 6 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Via American Basin Trail
From Lake City, Colorado, take the Cinnamon Pass Road to the American Basin trailhead. High clearance vehicle recommended for the rough road. This is one of the gentler Colorado 14ers with a short approach and moderate grades through beautiful alpine meadows. Makes an excellent acclimatization hike before attempting harder San Juan peaks. Wildflowers are spectacular in July. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. The summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains. One of the easier 14ers to access and climb, making it popular with families and first-time 14er hikers.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Storms
- High winds
- Remote location
- Altitude sickness
- High altitude
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Low visibility
Handies Peak on Yak
Climbers have shared 22 climbs of Handies Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Handies Peak
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Handies Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Handies Peak?
Handies Peak is 14,048 feet (4,281 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Handies Peak rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,048 feet, Handies Peak is the 44th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Handies Peak?
The Via American Basin Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 5 miles with 2,440 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Handies Peak?
Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Via American Basin Trail, covering 5 miles with 2,440 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Handies Peak?
The Via American Basin Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 5 miles with 2,440 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 Handies Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Handies Peak reaches 14,048 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 Handies 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 Handies 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.
What is the trailhead elevation for Handies Peak?
The Via American Basin Trail starts at about 11,590 feet, roughly 2,458 feet below the summit.
Climb Handies 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