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- Heisspitz, The
13,268 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Heisspitz, The
Heisspitz, The is a 13,268 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Heisspitz West Ridge: 17 mi, 5,525 ft of gain, Class 3.
Heisspitz, The at a glance
- Elevation13,268 ft4,044 m
- RouteThe Heisspitz West RidgeClass 3
- Distance17 mi5,525 ft gain
- Time14 – 16 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Heisspitz West Ridge
Heisspitz, The sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is The Heisspitz West Ridge, rated Class 3. Plan about 17 miles round-trip with roughly 5,525 ft of gain from about 8,235 ft. 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. Carry extra water above treeline.
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 Heisspitz, The
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Heisspitz, The
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Heisspitz, The?
Heisspitz, The is 13,268 feet (4,044 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Heisspitz, The rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,268 feet, Heisspitz, The is the 374th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Heisspitz, The?
The Heisspitz West 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 very hard: 17 miles with 5,525 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Heisspitz, The?
Most people take 14 – 16 hours round trip on the Heisspitz West Ridge, covering 17 miles with 5,525 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Heisspitz, The 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 Heisspitz, The?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Heisspitz West Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on Heisspitz, The?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Heisspitz, The reaches 13,268 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 Heisspitz, The?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 14 – 16 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Heisspitz, The?
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 Heisspitz, The 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