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- McHenrys Peak
13,330 ft · Front Range, Colorado
McHenrys Peak
McHenrys Peak is a 13,330 ft peak in the Front Range, Colorado. The standard route is the McHenry's Peak via Stone Man Pass: 17 mi, 5,595 ft of gain, Class 3.
McHenrys Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,330 ft4,062 m
- RouteMcHenry's Peak via Stone Man PassClass 3
- Distance17 mi5,595 ft gain
- Time14 – 16 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeFront RangeColorado
Climbing the McHenry's Peak via Stone Man Pass
McHenrys Peak sits in the Front Range. The usual ascent is McHenry's Peak via Stone Man Pass, rated Class 3. Plan about 17.15 miles round-trip with roughly 5,595 ft of gain from about 9,185 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. 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 McHenrys Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near McHenrys Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is McHenrys Peak?
McHenrys Peak is 13,330 feet (4,062 m) tall. It is in the Front Range, Colorado.
How does McHenrys Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,330 feet, McHenrys Peak is the 315th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb McHenrys Peak?
The McHenry's Peak via Stone Man Pass is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 17 miles with 5,595 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb McHenrys Peak?
Most people take 14 – 16 hours round trip on the McHenry's Peak via Stone Man Pass, covering 17 miles with 5,595 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is McHenrys 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 McHenrys Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the McHenry's Peak via Stone Man Pass, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on McHenrys Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and McHenrys Peak reaches 13,330 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 McHenrys Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 14 – 16 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb McHenrys 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 McHenrys 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