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13,333 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Lake Fork Peak

Lake Fork Peak is a 13,333 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Lake Fork Peak E. Face/S. Ridge: 5 mi, 2,325 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado 13ers
Lake Fork Peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Lake Fork Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,333 ft4,063 m
  • RouteLake Fork Peak E. Face/S. RidgeClass 2
  • Distance5 mi2,325 ft gain
  • Time4 – 6 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Lake Fork Peak E. Face/S. Ridge

Lake Fork Peak sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Lake Fork Peak E. Face/S. Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 5.5 miles round-trip with roughly 2,325 ft of gain from about 11,010 ft. Expect a rough 4WD approach road. 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 (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

  • Storms
  • High altitude
  • Route-finding difficulty

Quests with Lake Fork Peak

Peaks near Lake Fork Peak

  1. Middle Mtn

    Middle Mtn

    13,108 ft · 1.5 mi away

  2. UN 13305

    UN 13305

    13,305 ft · 1.9 mi away

  3. Jenkins Mtn

    Jenkins Mtn

    13,440 ft · 2.4 mi away

  4. Sayres BM

    Sayres BM

    13,746 ft · 3.1 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Lake Fork Peak?

Lake Fork Peak is 13,333 feet (4,063 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. It is also known as Lake Fork Peak.

How does Lake Fork Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,333 feet, Lake Fork Peak is the 312th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Lake Fork Peak?

The Lake Fork Peak E. Face/S. Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 5 miles with 2,325 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Lake Fork Peak?

Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Lake Fork Peak E. Face/S. Ridge, covering 5 miles with 2,325 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Lake Fork Peak?

The Lake Fork Peak E. Face/S. Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 5 miles with 2,325 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 Lake Fork Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Lake Fork Peak reaches 13,333 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 Lake Fork 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 Lake Fork 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 Lake Fork 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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