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13,837 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Huerfano Peak

Huerfano Peak is a 13,837 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Southwest Ridge: 9 mi, 3,130 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Huerfano Peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Huerfano Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,837 ft4,217 m
  • RouteSouthwest RidgeClass 2
  • Distance9 mi3,130 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Sep
  • RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado

Climbing the Southwest Ridge

From I-25, take exit 52 and follow Highway 69 to Gardner, then turn onto CR 550 and FS 580 up the Huerfano River through a state wildlife area to the Lily Lake Trailhead; high clearance is recommended. Hike toward Lily Lake, then climb Class 2 slopes onto Huerfano's southwest ridge and follow it to the summit, with big views of Blanca and Lindsey. The unofficial name comes from the Huerfano River below. California Peak shares the trailhead. Start early for storms. Dispersed camping is available along the Huerfano River.

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

  • Loose rock
  • High winds
  • Storms

Quests with Huerfano Peak

Peaks near Huerfano Peak

  1. UN 13557

    UN 13557

    13,557 ft · 1.0 mi away

  2. Mount Lindsey

    Mount Lindsey

    14,048 ft · 1.1 mi away

  3. Huerfanito

    Huerfanito

    13,083 ft · 1.4 mi away

  4. Blanca Peak

    Blanca Peak

    14,350 ft · 2.6 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Huerfano Peak?

Huerfano Peak is 13,837 feet (4,217 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.

How does Huerfano Peak rank among the Colorado Centennials?

At 13,837 feet, Huerfano Peak is the 91st highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.

How hard is it to hike Huerfano Peak?

The Southwest 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 3,130 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Huerfano Peak?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Southwest Ridge, covering 9 miles with 3,130 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Huerfano Peak?

The Southwest Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 9 miles with 3,130 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 Huerfano Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Huerfano Peak reaches 13,837 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 Huerfano 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 Huerfano Peak?

The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Huerfano 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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