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- North Arapaho Peak
13,513 ft · Front Range, Colorado
North Arapaho Peak
North Arapaho Peak is a 13,513 ft peak in the Front Range, Colorado. The standard route is the South Ridge - N. Arapaho Peak: 11 mi, 4,120 ft of gain, Class 3.
North Arapaho Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,513 ft4,118 m
- RouteSouth Ridge - N. Arapaho PeakClass 3
- Distance11 mi4,120 ft gain
- Time10 – 12 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeFront RangeColorado
Climbing the South Ridge - N. Arapaho Peak
North Arapaho Peak sits in the Front Range. The usual ascent is South Ridge - N. Arapaho Peak, rated Class 3. Plan about 11.6 miles round-trip with roughly 4,120 ft of gain from about 10,140 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. A helmet is wise on loose Class 3 sections.
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
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with North Arapaho Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near North Arapaho Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is North Arapaho Peak?
North Arapaho Peak is 13,513 feet (4,118 m) tall. It is in the Front Range, Colorado.
How does North Arapaho Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,513 feet, North Arapaho Peak is the 193rd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb North Arapaho Peak?
The South Ridge - N. Arapaho Peak 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: 11 miles with 4,120 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb North Arapaho Peak?
Most people take 10 – 12 hours round trip on the South Ridge - N. Arapaho Peak, covering 11 miles with 4,120 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is North Arapaho 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 helmet for North Arapaho Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the South Ridge - N. Arapaho Peak, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on North Arapaho Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and North Arapaho Peak reaches 13,513 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 North Arapaho 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 North Arapaho 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 North Arapaho 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