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- Lavender Peak
13,237 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Lavender Peak
Lavender Peak is a 13,237 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Lavender Peak West Ridge: 3 mi, 2,880 ft of gain, Class 3.
Lavender Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,237 ft4,034 m
- RouteLavender Peak West RidgeClass 3
- Distance3 mi2,880 ft gain
- Time4 – 6 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Lavender Peak West Ridge
Lavender Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Lavender Peak West Ridge, rated Class 3. Plan about 3.7 miles round-trip with roughly 2,880 ft of gain from about 10,935 ft. Expect high clearance for the drive. 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. A helmet is wise on loose Class 3 sections.
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
Helmet
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Lavender Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Lavender Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Lavender Peak?
Lavender Peak is 13,237 feet (4,034 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Lavender Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,237 feet, Lavender Peak is the 401st highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Lavender Peak?
The Lavender Peak West Ridge is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 3 miles with 2,880 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Lavender Peak?
Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Lavender Peak West Ridge, covering 3 miles with 2,880 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Is Lavender Peak dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a helmet for Lavender Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Lavender Peak West Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on Lavender Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Lavender Peak reaches 13,237 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 climbing Lavender 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 climb Lavender Peak?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Lavender 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