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- McCauley Peak
13,555 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
McCauley Peak
McCauley Peak is a 13,555 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the McCauley Pk North Ridge: 30 mi, 10,625 ft of gain, Class 3.
McCauley Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,555 ft4,131 m
- RouteMcCauley Pk North RidgeClass 3
- Distance30 mi10,625 ft gain
- Time26 – 28 hrsExtreme effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the McCauley Pk North Ridge
McCauley Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is McCauley Pk North Ridge, rated Class 3. Plan about 30.2 miles round-trip with roughly 10,625 ft of gain from about 11,800 ft. Expect a rough 4WD approach road. 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 (55–75 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 McCauley Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near McCauley Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is McCauley Peak?
McCauley Peak is 13,555 feet (4,131 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does McCauley Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,555 feet, McCauley Peak is the 165th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb McCauley Peak?
The McCauley Pk North 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 extreme: 30 miles with 10,625 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb McCauley Peak?
Most people take 26 – 28 hours round trip on the McCauley Pk North Ridge, covering 30 miles with 10,625 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is McCauley 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 McCauley Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the McCauley Pk North Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on McCauley Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and McCauley Peak reaches 13,555 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 McCauley Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 26 – 28 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb McCauley 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 McCauley 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