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- Mount Emma
13,592 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Mount Emma
Mount Emma is a 13,592 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Mt. Emma NE Ridge: 6 mi, 3,295 ft of gain, Class 3.
Mount Emma at a glance
- Elevation13,592 ft4,142 m
- RouteMt. Emma NE RidgeClass 3
- Distance6 mi3,295 ft gain
- Time6 – 8 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Mt. Emma NE Ridge
Mount Emma sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Mt. Emma NE Ridge, rated Class 3. Plan about 6.95 miles round-trip with roughly 3,295 ft of gain from about 11,380 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. A helmet is wise on loose Class 3 sections. Carry extra water above treeline.
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
Helmet
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Mount Emma
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Mount Emma
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Emma?
Mount Emma is 13,592 feet (4,142 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. It is also known as Emma, Mt.
How does Mount Emma rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,592 feet, Mount Emma is the 139th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Mount Emma?
The Mt. Emma NE Ridge 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: 6 miles with 3,295 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Mount Emma?
Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Mt. Emma NE Ridge, covering 6 miles with 3,295 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Is Mount Emma 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 Mount Emma?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Mt. Emma NE Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on Mount Emma?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Emma reaches 13,592 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 Mount Emma?
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 climb Mount Emma?
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 Mount Emma 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