- …
- Yak
- Quests
- Colorado 14ers
- Humboldt Peak
14,064 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado
Humboldt Peak
Humboldt Peak is a 14,064 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the West Ridge: 11 mi, 4,222 ft of gain, Class 2.
Humboldt Peak at a glance
- Elevation14,064 ft4,286 m
- RouteWest RidgeClass 2
- Distance11 mi4,222 ft gain
- Time6 – 9 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado
Climbing the West Ridge
From Westcliffe, Colorado, take South Colony Road toward the South Colony Lakes trailhead. The road is rough but passable for most vehicles to the lower parking area (high clearance 4WD for upper trailhead). Good trail with steady grades leads to the summit. The saddle and upper ridge can be very windy, especially in afternoon. Start early to avoid thunderstorms. One of the more accessible Sangre de Cristo 14ers with excellent views of the nearby Crestones. Class 2 terrain throughout. Often climbed as a warmup before attempting the more challenging Crestone Peaks nearby.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- High winds
- Storms
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- Loose rock
- Low visibility
Humboldt Peak on Yak
Climbers have shared 17 climbs of Humboldt Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Humboldt Peak
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Humboldt Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Humboldt Peak?
Humboldt Peak is 14,064 feet (4,286 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.
How does Humboldt Peak rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,064 feet, Humboldt Peak is the 40th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Humboldt Peak?
The West Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 11 miles with 4,222 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Humboldt Peak?
Most people take 6 – 9 hours round trip on the West Ridge, covering 11 miles with 4,222 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Humboldt Peak?
The West Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 11 miles with 4,222 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 Humboldt Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Humboldt Peak reaches 14,064 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 Humboldt 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 Humboldt 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.
What is the trailhead elevation for Humboldt Peak?
The West Ridge starts at about 9,910 feet, roughly 4,154 feet below the summit.
Climb Humboldt 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