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13,146 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Medano Peak

Medano Peak is a 13,146 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Medano Peak East Ridge: 9 mi, 3,470 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Medano Peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Medano Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,146 ft4,006 m
  • RouteMedano Peak East RidgeClass 2
  • Distance9 mi3,470 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado

Climbing the Medano Peak East Ridge

Medano Peak sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is Medano Peak East Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 9 miles round-trip with roughly 3,470 ft of gain from about 9,685 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. Bring layers for cold wind on the summit ridge.

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

What to watch for

  • Storms
  • High altitude
  • Route-finding difficulty

Quests with Medano Peak

Peaks near Medano Peak

  1. Mount Herard

    Mount Herard

    13,347 ft · 0.9 mi away

  2. Cleveland Peak

    Cleveland Peak

    13,404 ft · 4.1 mi away

  3. Tijeras Peak

    Tijeras Peak

    13,612 ft · 5.1 mi away

  4. Music Mtn

    Music Mtn

    13,365 ft · 6.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Medano Peak?

Medano Peak is 13,146 feet (4,006 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. It is also known as Medano Peak.

How does Medano Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,146 feet, Medano Peak is the 475th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Medano Peak?

The Medano Peak East Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 9 miles with 3,470 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Medano Peak?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Medano Peak East Ridge, covering 9 miles with 3,470 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Medano Peak?

The Medano Peak East Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 9 miles with 3,470 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

Will you get altitude sickness on Medano Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Medano Peak reaches 13,146 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 Medano 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 Medano 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 Medano 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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