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- Little Bear Peak
14,037 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado
Little Bear Peak
Little Bear Peak is a 14,037 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the West Ridge and Hourglass: 15 mi, 6,217 ft of gain, Class 4.
Little Bear Peak at a glance
- Elevation14,037 ft4,278 m
- RouteWest Ridge and HourglassClass 4
- Distance15 mi6,217 ft gain
- Time7 – 11 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado
Climbing the West Ridge and Hourglass
From Alamosa, Colorado, take Highway 150 toward the Great Sand Dunes area, then turn onto the rough Lake Como Road (high clearance 4WD required). Little Bear is widely considered Colorado's most dangerous 14er due to serious objective hazards in the Hourglass couloir, including frequent rockfall and icefall. Helmets are absolutely mandatory. Start very early (2-3am) and space parties to minimize rockfall risk to those below. The Class 4 terrain is loose and exposed throughout. Only for experienced climbers comfortable with serious objective hazards. Many climbing accidents occur on this peak. Not recommended as a first 14er.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (30–40 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Helmet
Rope
Harness
Carabiners
Belay Device
Whistle
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Storms
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Low visibility
- Rockfall
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- High winds
- Route-finding difficulty
Little Bear Peak on Yak
Climbers have shared 6 climbs of Little Bear Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Little Bear Peak
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Little Bear Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Little Bear Peak?
Little Bear Peak is 14,037 feet (4,278 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.
How does Little Bear Peak rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,037 feet, Little Bear Peak is the 47th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to climb Little Bear Peak?
The West Ridge and Hourglass is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 15 miles with 6,217 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Little Bear Peak?
Most people take 7 – 11 hours round trip on the West Ridge and Hourglass, covering 15 miles with 6,217 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Little Bear 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 rope to climb Little Bear Peak?
Most parties bring one. The West Ridge and Hourglass is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Will you get altitude sickness on Little Bear Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Little Bear Peak reaches 14,037 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 Little Bear Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 7 – 11 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Little Bear 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.
What is the trailhead elevation for Little Bear Peak?
The West Ridge and Hourglass starts at about 11,750 feet, roughly 2,287 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Little Bear Peak?
The standard route is the West Ridge and Hourglass. Other routes include the Combo: Little Bear Peak to Blanca Peak Traverse.
Climb Little Bear 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