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- La Plata Peak
14,336 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado
La Plata Peak
La Plata Peak is a 14,336 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Northwest Ridge: 9 mi, 4,350 ft of gain, Class 2.
La Plata Peak at a glance
- Elevation14,336 ft4,369 m
- RouteNorthwest RidgeClass 2
- Distance9 mi4,350 ft gain
- Time6.5 – 8.5 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeSawatch RangeColorado
Climbing the Northwest Ridge
From Leadville or Buena Vista, Colorado, take US-24 to the La Plata Basin Road junction. High clearance vehicle helpful for the rough road to the trailhead. The northwest ridge is the standard route with Class 2 terrain. Stream crossing in the lower section can be tricky during peak snowmelt (June). Steady grades with some loose rock near the summit. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Often overlooked compared to nearby peaks but offers excellent views of the Sawatch Range. One of the higher Colorado 14ers at 14,336 feet. Less crowded than more famous peaks.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Storms
- Stream crossing
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- High winds
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
La Plata Peak on Yak
Climbers have shared 38 climbs of La Plata Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with La Plata Peak
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near La Plata Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is La Plata Peak?
La Plata Peak is 14,336 feet (4,369 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.
How does La Plata Peak rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,336 feet, La Plata Peak is the 5th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike La Plata Peak?
The Northwest Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 9 miles with 4,350 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike La Plata Peak?
Most people take 6.5 – 8.5 hours round trip on the Northwest Ridge, covering 9 miles with 4,350 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike La Plata Peak?
The Northwest Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 9 miles with 4,350 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 La Plata Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and La Plata Peak reaches 14,336 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 La Plata 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 La Plata Peak?
The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for La Plata Peak?
The Northwest Ridge starts at about 10,150 feet, roughly 4,186 feet below the summit.
Climb La Plata 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