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- Heisshorn
13,418 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Heisshorn
Heisshorn is a 13,418 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Heisshorn NNE Ridge: 11 mi, 3,381 ft of gain, Class 4.
Heisshorn at a glance
- Elevation13,418 ft4,089 m
- RouteHeisshorn NNE RidgeClass 4
- Distance11 mi3,381 ft gain
- Time11 – 13 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Heisshorn NNE Ridge
Heisshorn sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Heisshorn NNE Ridge, rated Class 4. Plan about 11.6 miles round-trip with roughly 3,381 ft of gain from about 10,050 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 a helmet; rope may be prudent for less experienced parties on the crux.
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
Helmet
Harness
Rope
Belay Device
Carabiners
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Heisshorn
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Heisshorn
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Heisshorn?
Heisshorn is 13,418 feet (4,089 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. It is also known as Heisshorn.
How does Heisshorn rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,418 feet, Heisshorn is the 258th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Heisshorn?
The Heisshorn NNE Ridge is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 11 miles with 3,381 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Heisshorn?
Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Heisshorn NNE Ridge, covering 11 miles with 3,381 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Heisshorn 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 rope to climb Heisshorn?
Most parties bring one. The Heisshorn NNE Ridge is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Will you get altitude sickness on Heisshorn?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Heisshorn reaches 13,418 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 Heisshorn?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 11 – 13 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Heisshorn?
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 Heisshorn 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