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- Nine Peak
13,404 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Nine Peak
Nine Peak is a 13,404 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Peak Nine South Face Route: 14 mi, 6,200 ft of gain, Class 4.
Nine Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,404 ft4,085 m
- RoutePeak Nine South Face RouteClass 4
- Distance14 mi6,200 ft gain
- Time16 – 18 hrsExtreme effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Peak Nine South Face Route
Nine Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Peak Nine South Face Route, rated Class 4. Plan about 14.7 miles round-trip with roughly 6,200 ft of gain from about 11,800 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. 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 Nine Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Nine Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Nine Peak?
Nine Peak is 13,404 feet (4,085 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. It is also known as Nine, Peak.
How does Nine Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,404 feet, Nine Peak is the 266th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Nine Peak?
The Peak Nine South Face Route is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort extreme: 14 miles with 6,200 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Nine Peak?
Most people take 16 – 18 hours round trip on the Peak Nine South Face Route, covering 14 miles with 6,200 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Nine 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 Nine Peak?
Most parties bring one. The Peak Nine South Face Route is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Will you get altitude sickness on Nine Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Nine Peak reaches 13,404 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 Nine Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 16 – 18 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Nine 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 Nine 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