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13,422 ft · Elk Mountains, Colorado

Hilliard Peak

Hilliard Peak is a 13,422 ft peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Hilliard Peak South & SE Ridge: 9 mi, 2,700 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Hilliard Peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado

Hilliard Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,422 ft4,091 m
  • RouteHilliard Peak South & SE RidgeClass 2
  • Distance9 mi2,700 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeElk MountainsColorado

Climbing the Hilliard Peak South & SE Ridge

Hilliard Peak sits in the Elk Mountains. The usual ascent is Hilliard Peak South & SE Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 9.9 miles round-trip with roughly 2,700 ft of gain from about 10,425 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 (30–40 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 Hilliard Peak

Peaks near Hilliard Peak

  1. Keefe Peak

    Keefe Peak

    13,532 ft · 0.6 mi away

  2. UN 13552

    UN 13552

    13,552 ft · 0.7 mi away

  3. UN 13214

    UN 13214

    13,214 ft · 1.5 mi away

  4. Hunter Peak

    Hunter Peak

    13,506 ft · 2.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Hilliard Peak?

Hilliard Peak is 13,422 feet (4,091 m) tall. It is in the Elk Mountains, Colorado.

How does Hilliard Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,422 feet, Hilliard Peak is the 252nd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Hilliard Peak?

The Hilliard Peak South & SE 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 2,700 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Hilliard Peak?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Hilliard Peak South & SE Ridge, covering 9 miles with 2,700 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Hilliard Peak?

The Hilliard Peak South & SE Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 9 miles with 2,700 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 Hilliard Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Hilliard Peak reaches 13,422 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 Hilliard 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 Hilliard 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 Hilliard 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

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