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13,218 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Leaning South Peak

Leaning South Peak is a 13,218 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Leaning South Pk North Ridge: 12 mi, 4,355 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Leaning South Peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Leaning South Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,218 ft4,028 m
  • RouteLeaning South Pk North RidgeClass 2
  • Distance12 mi4,355 ft gain
  • Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado

Climbing the Leaning South Pk North Ridge

Leaning South Peak sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is Leaning South Pk North Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 12.3 miles round-trip with roughly 4,355 ft of gain from about 10,550 ft. The trailhead is typically reachable by passenger car. 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 (35–55 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 Leaning South Peak

Peaks near Leaning South Peak

  1. Trinchera Peak

    Trinchera Peak

    13,522 ft · 1.1 mi away

  2. Cuatro Peak

    Cuatro Peak

    13,492 ft · 1.2 mi away

  3. Mount Maxwell

    Mount Maxwell

    13,337 ft · 1.8 mi away

  4. Mariquita Peak

    Mariquita Peak

    13,398 ft · 2.6 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Leaning South Peak?

Leaning South Peak is 13,218 feet (4,028 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. It is also known as Leaning South Peak.

How does Leaning South Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,218 feet, Leaning South Peak is the 418th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Leaning South Peak?

The Leaning South Pk North Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 12 miles with 4,355 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Leaning South Peak?

Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Leaning South Pk North Ridge, covering 12 miles with 4,355 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Leaning South Peak?

The Leaning South Pk North Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 12 miles with 4,355 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 Leaning South Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Leaning South Peak reaches 13,218 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 Leaning South Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 8 – 10 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Leaning South 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 Leaning South 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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