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13,506 ft · Elk Mountains, Colorado

Hunter Peak

Hunter Peak is a 13,506 ft peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Hunter Peak East Basin/North Slope: 18 mi, 7,100 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Hunter Peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado

Hunter Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,506 ft4,116 m
  • RouteHunter Peak East Basin/North SlopeClass 2
  • Distance18 mi7,100 ft gain
  • Time13 – 15 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeElk MountainsColorado

Climbing the Hunter Peak East Basin/North Slope

Hunter Peak sits in the Elk Mountains. The usual ascent is Hunter Peak East Basin/North Slope, rated Class 2. Plan about 18.4 miles round-trip with roughly 7,100 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 (55–75 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 Hunter Peak

Peaks near Hunter Peak

  1. Keefe Peak

    Keefe Peak

    13,532 ft · 1.4 mi away

  2. Hilliard Peak

    Hilliard Peak

    13,422 ft · 2.0 mi away

  3. UN 13552

    UN 13552

    13,552 ft · 2.7 mi away

  4. Cathedral Peak

    Cathedral Peak

    13,952 ft · 2.7 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Hunter Peak?

Hunter Peak is 13,506 feet (4,116 m) tall. It is in the Elk Mountains, Colorado.

How does Hunter Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,506 feet, Hunter Peak is the 199th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Hunter Peak?

The Hunter Peak East Basin/North Slope is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 18 miles with 7,100 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Hunter Peak?

Most people take 13 – 15 hours round trip on the Hunter Peak East Basin/North Slope, covering 18 miles with 7,100 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Hunter Peak?

The Hunter Peak East Basin/North Slope needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 18 miles with 7,100 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 Hunter Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Hunter Peak reaches 13,506 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 Hunter Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 13 – 15 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Hunter 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 Hunter 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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