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13,869 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado
North Apostle
North Apostle is a 13,869 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Southwest Ridge: 8 mi, 3,320 ft of gain, Class 2.
North Apostle at a glance
- Elevation13,869 ft4,227 m
- RouteSouthwest RidgeClass 2
- Distance8 mi3,320 ft gain
- Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSawatch RangeColorado
Climbing the Southwest Ridge
From US 24 between Leadville and Buena Vista, take CR 390 west about 12 miles to Winfield, then continue on the rough road south toward the Three Apostles trailhead; high clearance or 4WD helps. Hike into the basin below the Apostles, climb to the saddle between Ice Mountain and North Apostle, and follow North Apostle's southwest ridge on Class 2 talus. The saddle gully is loose. Most parties pair it with Ice Mountain. Start early to be down before storms. Camping is available near Winfield, and the road beyond is slow going.
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
- Loose rock
- Rockfall
- Stream crossing
- Storms
Quests with North Apostle
Colorado Centennials
Colorado 13ersPeaks near North Apostle
Frequently asked questions
How tall is North Apostle?
North Apostle is 13,869 feet (4,227 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.
How does North Apostle rank among the Colorado Centennials?
At 13,869 feet, North Apostle is the 76th highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike North Apostle?
The Southwest 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 3,320 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike North Apostle?
Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Southwest Ridge, covering 8 miles with 3,320 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike North Apostle?
The Southwest Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 8 miles with 3,320 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 North Apostle?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and North Apostle reaches 13,869 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 North Apostle?
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 North Apostle?
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 North Apostle 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