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13,375 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Monumental Peak

Monumental Peak is a 13,375 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Monumental Peak North Ridge: 8 mi, 3,140 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Monumental Peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Monumental Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,375 ft4,076 m
  • RouteMonumental Peak North RidgeClass 2
  • Distance8 mi3,140 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Monumental Peak North Ridge

Monumental Peak sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Monumental Peak North Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 8.7 miles round-trip with roughly 3,140 ft of gain from about 11,060 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 (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 Monumental Peak

Peaks near Monumental Peak

  1. Mount Aetna

    Mount Aetna

    13,747 ft · 2.1 mi away

  2. Hancock Peak

    Hancock Peak

    13,111 ft · 2.2 mi away

  3. Taylor Mtn

    Taylor Mtn

    13,655 ft · 3.2 mi away

  4. Grizzly Mtn

    Grizzly Mtn

    13,722 ft · 4.5 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Monumental Peak?

Monumental Peak is 13,375 feet (4,076 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Monumental Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,375 feet, Monumental Peak is the 287th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Monumental Peak?

The Monumental Peak North Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 8 miles with 3,140 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Monumental Peak?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Monumental Peak North Ridge, covering 8 miles with 3,140 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Monumental Peak?

The Monumental Peak North Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 8 miles with 3,140 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 Monumental Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Monumental Peak reaches 13,375 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 Monumental 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 Monumental 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 Monumental 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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