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13,590 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Matterhorn Peak

Matterhorn Peak is a 13,590 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Matterhorn Peak SSE Slope: 7 mi, 2,750 ft of gain, Class 3.

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Matterhorn Peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Matterhorn Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,590 ft4,142 m
  • RouteMatterhorn Peak SSE SlopeClass 3
  • Distance7 mi2,750 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado

Climbing the Matterhorn Peak SSE Slope

Matterhorn Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Matterhorn Peak SSE Slope, rated Class 3. Plan about 7.5 miles round-trip with roughly 2,750 ft of gain from about 10,840 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 Matterhorn Peak

Peaks near Matterhorn Peak

  1. Wetterhorn Peak

    Wetterhorn Peak

    14,021 ft · 0.9 mi away

  2. UN 13,313 (near Wetterhorn Peak)

    UN 13,313 (near Wetterhorn Peak)

    13,313 ft · 0.9 mi away

  3. UN 13382

    UN 13382

    13,382 ft · 1.1 mi away

  4. Heisshorn

    Heisshorn

    13,418 ft · 1.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Matterhorn Peak?

Matterhorn Peak is 13,590 feet (4,142 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.

How does Matterhorn Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,590 feet, Matterhorn Peak is the 141st highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to climb Matterhorn Peak?

The Matterhorn Peak SSE Slope 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: 7 miles with 2,750 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Matterhorn Peak?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Matterhorn Peak SSE Slope, covering 7 miles with 2,750 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Is Matterhorn 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 Matterhorn Peak?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Matterhorn Peak SSE Slope, so a helmet is on the gear list.

Will you get altitude sickness on Matterhorn Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Matterhorn Peak reaches 13,590 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 Matterhorn 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 Matterhorn 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 Matterhorn 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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