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- Mears Peak
13,503 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Mears Peak
Mears Peak is a 13,503 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Mears Peak South Slopes: 9 mi, 4,400 ft of gain, Class 3.
Mears Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,503 ft4,115 m
- RouteMears Peak South SlopesClass 3
- Distance9 mi4,400 ft gain
- Time9 – 11 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Mears Peak South Slopes
Mears Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Mears Peak South Slopes, rated Class 3. Plan about 9.5 miles round-trip with roughly 4,400 ft of gain from about 9,100 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 (30–40 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 Mears Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Mears Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mears Peak?
Mears Peak is 13,503 feet (4,115 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Mears Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,503 feet, Mears Peak is the 203rd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Mears Peak?
The Mears Peak South Slopes 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: 9 miles with 4,400 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Mears Peak?
Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the Mears Peak South Slopes, covering 9 miles with 4,400 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Mears 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 Mears Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Mears Peak South Slopes, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on Mears Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mears Peak reaches 13,503 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 Mears Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 9 – 11 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Mears 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 Mears 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