Yak logoYAK
  1. …
  2. Yak
  3. Quests
  4. Colorado 13ers
  5. Hunts Peak

13,061 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Hunts Peak

Hunts Peak is a 13,061 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Hunts Peak West Ridge: 6 mi, 3,375 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado 13ers
Hunts Peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Hunts Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,061 ft3,980 m
  • RouteHunts Peak West RidgeClass 2
  • Distance6 mi3,375 ft gain
  • Time5 – 7 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado

Climbing the Hunts Peak West Ridge

Hunts Peak sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is Hunts Peak West Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 6.4 miles round-trip with roughly 3,375 ft of gain from about 9,700 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 (25–35 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 Hunts Peak

Peaks near Hunts Peak

  1. Twin Sisters North

    Twin Sisters North

    13,009 ft · 3.4 mi away

  2. Bushnell Peak

    Bushnell Peak

    13,112 ft · 4.2 mi away

  3. Cottonwood Peak

    Cottonwood Peak

    13,597 ft · 15.3 mi away

  4. Antora Peak

    Antora Peak

    13,269 ft · 15.3 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Hunts Peak?

Hunts Peak is 13,061 feet (3,980 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.

How does Hunts Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,061 feet, Hunts Peak is the 545th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Hunts Peak?

The Hunts Peak West Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 6 miles with 3,375 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Hunts Peak?

Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Hunts Peak West Ridge, covering 6 miles with 3,375 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Hunts Peak?

The Hunts Peak West Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 6 miles with 3,375 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 Hunts Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Hunts Peak reaches 13,061 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 Hunts 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 Hunts 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 Hunts 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

App StoreGoogle Play