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13,126 ft · Front Range, Colorado

Kiowa Peak

Kiowa Peak is a 13,126 ft peak in the Front Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Wheeler Basin: 17 mi, 3,910 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Kiowa Peak in the Front Range, Colorado

Kiowa Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,126 ft4,000 m
  • RouteWheeler BasinClass 2
  • Distance17 mi3,910 ft gain
  • Time11 – 13 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeFront RangeColorado

Climbing the Wheeler Basin

Kiowa Peak sits in the Front Range. The usual ascent is Wheeler Basin, rated Class 2. Plan about 17.2 miles round-trip with roughly 3,910 ft of gain from about 10,140 ft. The trailhead is typically reachable by passenger car. 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 Kiowa Peak

Peaks near Kiowa Peak

  1. Arikaree Peak

    Arikaree Peak

    13,164 ft · 0.8 mi away

  2. Navajo Peak

    Navajo Peak

    13,419 ft · 1.3 mi away

  3. Apache Peak

    Apache Peak

    13,450 ft · 1.6 mi away

  4. North Arapaho Peak

    North Arapaho Peak

    13,513 ft · 2.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Kiowa Peak?

Kiowa Peak is 13,126 feet (4,000 m) tall. It is in the Front Range, Colorado.

How does Kiowa Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,126 feet, Kiowa Peak is the 493rd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Kiowa Peak?

The Wheeler Basin is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 17 miles with 3,910 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Kiowa Peak?

Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Wheeler Basin, covering 17 miles with 3,910 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Kiowa Peak?

The Wheeler Basin needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 17 miles with 3,910 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 Kiowa Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Kiowa Peak reaches 13,126 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 Kiowa Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 11 – 13 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Kiowa 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 Kiowa 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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