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- Northwest Pole
13,670 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Northwest Pole
Northwest Pole is a 13,670 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the NW Pole North Ridge: 16 mi, 2,320 ft of gain, Class 3.
Northwest Pole at a glance
- Elevation13,670 ft4,166 m
- RouteNW Pole North RidgeClass 3
- Distance16 mi2,320 ft gain
- Time12 – 14 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the NW Pole North Ridge
Northwest Pole sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is NW Pole North Ridge, rated Class 3. Plan about 16.6 miles round-trip with roughly 2,320 ft of gain from about 12,370 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. A helmet is wise on loose Class 3 sections.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (55–75 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 Northwest Pole
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Northwest Pole
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Northwest Pole?
Northwest Pole is 13,670 feet (4,166 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. It is also known as Northwest Pole.
How does Northwest Pole rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,670 feet, Northwest Pole is the 110th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Northwest Pole?
The NW Pole North Ridge 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: 16 miles with 2,320 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Northwest Pole?
Most people take 12 – 14 hours round trip on the NW Pole North Ridge, covering 16 miles with 2,320 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Northwest Pole 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 Northwest Pole?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the NW Pole North Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on Northwest Pole?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Northwest Pole reaches 13,670 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 Northwest Pole?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 12 – 14 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Northwest Pole?
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 Northwest Pole 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