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- Middle Peak
13,305 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Middle Peak
Middle Peak is a 13,305 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Middle Peak West/NW Ridge: 7 mi, 3,105 ft of gain, Class 2.
Middle Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,305 ft4,055 m
- RouteMiddle Peak West/NW RidgeClass 2
- Distance7 mi3,105 ft gain
- Time5 – 7 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Middle Peak West/NW Ridge
Middle Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Middle Peak West/NW Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 7.2 miles round-trip with roughly 3,105 ft of gain from about 10,195 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. Bring layers for cold wind on the summit ridge.
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
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Middle Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Middle Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Middle Peak?
Middle Peak is 13,305 feet (4,055 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Middle Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,305 feet, Middle Peak is the 344th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to hike Middle Peak?
The Middle Peak West/NW Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 7 miles with 3,105 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Middle Peak?
Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Middle Peak West/NW Ridge, covering 7 miles with 3,105 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Middle Peak?
The Middle Peak West/NW Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 7 miles with 3,105 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 Middle Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Middle Peak reaches 13,305 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 Middle 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 Middle 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 Middle 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