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13,532 ft · Elk Mountains, Colorado

Keefe Peak

Keefe Peak is a 13,532 ft peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Keefe Peak South Ridge: 11 mi, 3,700 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Keefe Peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado

Keefe Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,532 ft4,124 m
  • RouteKeefe Peak South RidgeClass 2
  • Distance11 mi3,700 ft gain
  • Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeElk MountainsColorado

Climbing the Keefe Peak South Ridge

Keefe Peak sits in the Elk Mountains. The usual ascent is Keefe Peak South Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 11.4 miles round-trip with roughly 3,700 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 (35–55 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 Keefe Peak

Peaks near Keefe Peak

  1. Hilliard Peak

    Hilliard Peak

    13,422 ft · 0.6 mi away

  2. UN 13552

    UN 13552

    13,552 ft · 1.3 mi away

  3. Hunter Peak

    Hunter Peak

    13,506 ft · 1.4 mi away

  4. UN 13214

    UN 13214

    13,214 ft · 2.1 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Keefe Peak?

Keefe Peak is 13,532 feet (4,124 m) tall. It is in the Elk Mountains, Colorado.

How does Keefe Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,532 feet, Keefe Peak is the 184th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Keefe Peak?

The Keefe Peak South Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 11 miles with 3,700 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Keefe Peak?

Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Keefe Peak South Ridge, covering 11 miles with 3,700 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Keefe Peak?

The Keefe Peak South Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 11 miles with 3,700 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 Keefe Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Keefe Peak reaches 13,532 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 Keefe Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 8 – 10 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Keefe 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 Keefe 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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