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- North Traverse Peak
13,085 ft · Gore Range, Colorado
North Traverse Peak
North Traverse Peak is a 13,085 ft peak in the Gore Range, Colorado. The standard route is the North Traverse North Ridge: 14 mi, 5,715 ft of gain, Class 2.
North Traverse Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,085 ft3,988 m
- RouteNorth Traverse North RidgeClass 2
- Distance14 mi5,715 ft gain
- Time10 – 12 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeGore RangeColorado
Climbing the North Traverse North Ridge
North Traverse Peak sits in the Gore Range. The usual ascent is North Traverse North Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 14.1 miles round-trip with roughly 5,715 ft of gain from about 8,620 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 layers for cold wind on the summit ridge.
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
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with North Traverse Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near North Traverse Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is North Traverse Peak?
North Traverse Peak is 13,085 feet (3,988 m) tall. It is in the Gore Range, Colorado. It is also known as North Traverse Peak.
How does North Traverse Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,085 feet, North Traverse Peak is the 524th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to hike North Traverse Peak?
The North Traverse North Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 14 miles with 5,715 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike North Traverse Peak?
Most people take 10 – 12 hours round trip on the North Traverse North Ridge, covering 14 miles with 5,715 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike North Traverse Peak?
The North Traverse North Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 14 miles with 5,715 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 Traverse Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and North Traverse Peak reaches 13,085 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 Traverse 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 hike North Traverse Peak?
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 Traverse 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