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13,318 ft · Elk Mountains, Colorado

Malemute Peak

Malemute Peak is a 13,318 ft peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Malemute Peak South Face: 1 mi, 780 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Malemute Peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado

Malemute Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,318 ft4,059 m
  • RouteMalemute Peak South FaceClass 2
  • Distance1 mi780 ft gain
  • Time1 – 3 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeElk MountainsColorado

Climbing the Malemute Peak South Face

Malemute Peak sits in the Elk Mountains. The usual ascent is Malemute Peak South Face, rated Class 2. Plan about 1.2 miles round-trip with roughly 780 ft of gain from about 10,200 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. 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 Malemute Peak

Peaks near Malemute Peak

  1. Conundrum Peak

    Conundrum Peak

    14,037 ft · 1.0 mi away

  2. Castle Peak

    Castle Peak

    14,279 ft · 1.2 mi away

  3. Cathedral Peak

    Cathedral Peak

    13,952 ft · 1.2 mi away

  4. Electric Pass Peak

    Electric Pass Peak

    13,632 ft · 1.9 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Malemute Peak?

Malemute Peak is 13,318 feet (4,059 m) tall. It is in the Elk Mountains, Colorado.

How does Malemute Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,318 feet, Malemute Peak is the 327th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Malemute Peak?

The Malemute Peak South Face is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 1 mile with 780 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Malemute Peak?

Most people take 1 – 3 hours round trip on the Malemute Peak South Face, covering 1 mile with 780 feet of elevation gain.

Can a beginner hike Malemute Peak?

Usually, if you are fit. The Malemute Peak South Face is a common first summit for hikers ready for 1 – 3 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

Will you get altitude sickness on Malemute Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Malemute Peak reaches 13,318 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 Malemute 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 Malemute 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 Malemute 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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