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13,143 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Hunchback Mtn

Hunchback Mtn is a 13,143 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Hunchback Mtn. East Ridge: 9 mi, 3,225 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Hunchback Mtn in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Hunchback Mtn at a glance

  • Elevation13,143 ft4,005 m
  • RouteHunchback Mtn. East RidgeClass 2
  • Distance9 mi3,225 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado

Climbing the Hunchback Mtn. East Ridge

Hunchback Mtn sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Hunchback Mtn. East Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 9.7 miles round-trip with roughly 3,225 ft of gain from about 11,800 ft. Expect a rough 4WD approach road. 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 Hunchback Mtn

Peaks near Hunchback Mtn

  1. White Dome

    White Dome

    13,628 ft · 0.8 mi away

  2. One Peak

    One Peak

    13,599 ft · 1.5 mi away

  3. UN 13121

    UN 13121

    13,121 ft · 2.0 mi away

  4. UN 13318

    UN 13318

    13,318 ft · 2.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Hunchback Mtn?

Hunchback Mtn is 13,143 feet (4,005 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.

How does Hunchback Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,143 feet, Hunchback Mtn is the 481st highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Hunchback Mtn?

The Hunchback Mtn. East 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 3,225 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Hunchback Mtn?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Hunchback Mtn. East Ridge, covering 9 miles with 3,225 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Hunchback Mtn?

The Hunchback Mtn. East Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 9 miles with 3,225 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 Hunchback Mtn?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Hunchback Mtn reaches 13,143 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 Hunchback Mtn?

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 Hunchback Mtn?

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 Hunchback Mtn 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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