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- Navajo Peak
13,419 ft · Front Range, Colorado
Navajo Peak
Navajo Peak is a 13,419 ft peak in the Front Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Navajo North Approach from Apache: 9 mi, 3,215 ft of gain, Class 4.
Navajo Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,419 ft4,090 m
- RouteNavajo North Approach from ApacheClass 4
- Distance9 mi3,215 ft gain
- Time10 – 12 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeFront RangeColorado
Climbing the Navajo North Approach from Apache
Navajo Peak sits in the Front Range. The usual ascent is Navajo North Approach from Apache, rated Class 4. Plan about 9.9 miles round-trip with roughly 3,215 ft of gain from about 10,535 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 a helmet; rope may be prudent for less experienced parties on the crux.
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
Helmet
Harness
Rope
Belay Device
Carabiners
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Navajo Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Navajo Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Navajo Peak?
Navajo Peak is 13,419 feet (4,090 m) tall. It is in the Front Range, Colorado.
How does Navajo Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,419 feet, Navajo Peak is the 256th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Navajo Peak?
The Navajo North Approach from Apache is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 9 miles with 3,215 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Navajo Peak?
Most people take 10 – 12 hours round trip on the Navajo North Approach from Apache, covering 9 miles with 3,215 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Navajo 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 Navajo Peak?
Most parties bring one. The Navajo North Approach from Apache is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Will you get altitude sickness on Navajo Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Navajo Peak reaches 13,419 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 Navajo Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 10 – 12 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Navajo 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 Navajo 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