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- Monitor Peak
13,707 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Monitor Peak
Monitor Peak is a 13,707 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Monitor Peak West Basin-North Ridge: 10 mi, 5,465 ft of gain, Class 4.
Monitor Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,707 ft4,177 m
- RouteMonitor Peak West Basin-North RidgeClass 4
- Distance10 mi5,465 ft gain
- Time12 – 14 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Monitor Peak West Basin-North Ridge
Monitor Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Monitor Peak West Basin-North Ridge, rated Class 4. Plan about 10.8 miles round-trip with roughly 5,465 ft of gain from about 8,235 ft. 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 a helmet; rope may be prudent for less experienced parties on the crux.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (35–55 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
Harness
Rope
Belay Device
Carabiners
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Monitor Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Monitor Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Monitor Peak?
Monitor Peak is 13,707 feet (4,177 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Monitor Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,707 feet, Monitor Peak is the 89th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Monitor Peak?
The Monitor Peak West Basin-North Ridge is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 10 miles with 5,465 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Monitor Peak?
Most people take 12 – 14 hours round trip on the Monitor Peak West Basin-North Ridge, covering 10 miles with 5,465 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Monitor 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 rope to climb Monitor Peak?
Most parties bring one. The Monitor Peak West Basin-North Ridge is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Will you get altitude sickness on Monitor Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Monitor Peak reaches 13,707 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 Monitor Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 12 – 14 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Monitor 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 Monitor 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