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13,362 ft · Front Range, Colorado

Hoosier Ridge

Hoosier Ridge is a 13,362 ft peak in the Front Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Hoosier Ridge West & South: 9 mi, 2,240 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Hoosier Ridge in the Front Range, Colorado

Hoosier Ridge at a glance

  • Elevation13,362 ft4,072 m
  • RouteHoosier Ridge West & SouthClass 2
  • Distance9 mi2,240 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeFront RangeColorado

Climbing the Hoosier Ridge West & South

Hoosier Ridge sits in the Front Range. The usual ascent is Hoosier Ridge West & South, rated Class 2. Plan about 9.4 miles round-trip with roughly 2,240 ft of gain from about 11,545 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 (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 Hoosier Ridge

Peaks near Hoosier Ridge

  1. Red Mtn

    Red Mtn

    13,238 ft · 0.7 mi away

  2. Mount Silverheels

    Mount Silverheels

    13,828 ft · 3.3 mi away

  3. Boreas Mtn

    Boreas Mtn

    13,083 ft · 3.8 mi away

  4. Bald Mtn

    Bald Mtn

    13,703 ft · 4.7 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Hoosier Ridge?

Hoosier Ridge is 13,362 feet (4,072 m) tall. It is in the Front Range, Colorado.

How does Hoosier Ridge rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,362 feet, Hoosier Ridge is the 293rd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Hoosier Ridge?

The Hoosier Ridge West & South 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 2,240 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Hoosier Ridge?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Hoosier Ridge West & South, covering 9 miles with 2,240 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Hoosier Ridge?

The Hoosier Ridge West & South needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 9 miles with 2,240 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 Hoosier Ridge?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Hoosier Ridge reaches 13,362 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 Hoosier Ridge?

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 Hoosier Ridge?

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 Hoosier Ridge 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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