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- Jones Mountain
13,867 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Jones Mountain
Jones Mountain is a 13,867 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Northeast Ridge: 9 mi, 4,150 ft of gain, Class 2.
Jones Mountain at a glance
- Elevation13,867 ft4,226 m
- RouteNortheast RidgeClass 2
- Distance9 mi4,150 ft gain
- Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Northeast Ridge
From Silverton, take County Road 2 northeast up the Animas River toward Animas Forks and park at the Burns Gulch turnoff; most crossovers make it, and 4WD can drive a couple more miles up the gulch. Hike the Burns Gulch road into the upper basin, then climb steep, rugged Class 2 slopes to Jones's northeast ridge and the summit. Niagara and American peaks share the basin for a three-summit day. Start early, as storms build fast in the San Juans. Camping is available along the Animas River road, and the old mining roads see jeep traffic.
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
- Steep exposure
- Storms
- High winds
Quests with Jones Mountain
Colorado Centennials
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Jones Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Jones Mountain?
Jones Mountain is 13,867 feet (4,226 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Jones Mountain rank among the Colorado Centennials?
At 13,867 feet, Jones Mountain is the 77th highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Jones Mountain?
The Northeast 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 4,150 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Jones Mountain?
Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Northeast Ridge, covering 9 miles with 4,150 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Jones Mountain?
The Northeast Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 9 miles with 4,150 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 Jones Mountain?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Jones Mountain reaches 13,867 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 Jones Mountain?
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 Jones Mountain?
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 Jones Mountain 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