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13,826 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Lackawanna Peak

Lackawanna Peak is a 13,826 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the North Northwest Ridge: 6 mi, 3,040 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado Centennials

Lackawanna Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,826 ft4,214 m
  • RouteNorth Northwest RidgeClass 2
  • Distance6 mi3,040 ft gain
  • Time5 – 7 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the North Northwest Ridge

From Twin Lakes, drive west on Highway 82 toward Independence Pass and turn onto the short dirt road just before the first big switchback to the North Fork Lake Creek trailhead; passenger cars are fine. Hike south up the drainage, then climb Class 2 slopes to Lackawanna's north northwest ridge and follow it to the summit. The name is unofficial, taken from Lackawanna Gulch below. The creek can be high in early summer. Start early for afternoon storms. Expect few other hikers, and the trailhead lot is small.

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

  • Loose rock
  • Stream crossing
  • Storms

Quests with Lackawanna Peak

Peaks near Lackawanna Peak

  1. Mount Champion

    Mount Champion

    13,645 ft · 2.7 mi away

  2. French Mountain

    French Mountain

    13,942 ft · 2.9 mi away

  3. UN 13541

    UN 13541

    13,541 ft · 3.3 mi away

  4. UN 13738

    UN 13738

    13,738 ft · 3.3 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Lackawanna Peak?

Lackawanna Peak is 13,826 feet (4,214 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Lackawanna Peak rank among the Colorado Centennials?

At 13,826 feet, Lackawanna Peak is the 95th highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.

How hard is it to hike Lackawanna Peak?

The North Northwest 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 3,040 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Lackawanna Peak?

Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the North Northwest Ridge, covering 6 miles with 3,040 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Lackawanna Peak?

The North Northwest Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 6 miles with 3,040 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 Lackawanna Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Lackawanna Peak reaches 13,826 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 Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna 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.

Climb Lackawanna 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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