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13,384 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Lakes Peak

Lakes Peak is a 13,384 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Lakes Peak NW Ridge: 10 mi, 3,745 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Lakes Peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Lakes Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,384 ft4,079 m
  • RouteLakes Peak NW RidgeClass 2
  • Distance10 mi3,745 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado

Climbing the Lakes Peak NW Ridge

Lakes Peak sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is Lakes Peak NW Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 10.9 miles round-trip with roughly 3,745 ft of gain from about 11,300 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 (30–40 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 Lakes Peak

Peaks near Lakes Peak

  1. Electric Peak

    Electric Peak

    13,618 ft · 1.6 mi away

  2. Eagle Peak

    Eagle Peak

    13,215 ft · 2.1 mi away

  3. Cottonwood Peak

    Cottonwood Peak

    13,597 ft · 2.1 mi away

  4. De Anza Peak

    De Anza Peak

    13,391 ft · 3.1 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Lakes Peak?

Lakes Peak is 13,384 feet (4,079 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.

How does Lakes Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,384 feet, Lakes Peak is the 279th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Lakes Peak?

The Lakes Peak NW Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 10 miles with 3,745 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Lakes Peak?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Lakes Peak NW Ridge, covering 10 miles with 3,745 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Lakes Peak?

The Lakes Peak NW Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 10 miles with 3,745 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 Lakes Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Lakes Peak reaches 13,384 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 Lakes 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 Lakes 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 Lakes 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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