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- Obstruction Peak
13,812 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado
Obstruction Peak
Obstruction Peak is a 13,812 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Obstruction Pk via Bears Playground: 13 mi, 3,920 ft of gain, Class 2.
Obstruction Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,812 ft4,209 m
- RouteObstruction Pk via Bears PlaygroundClass 2
- Distance13 mi3,920 ft gain
- Time9 – 11 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado
Climbing the Obstruction Pk via Bears Playground
Obstruction Peak sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is Obstruction Pk via Bears Playground, rated Class 2. Plan about 13.5 miles round-trip with roughly 3,920 ft of gain from about 9,900 ft. Expect high clearance for the drive. 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 Obstruction Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Obstruction Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Obstruction Peak?
Obstruction Peak is 13,812 feet (4,209 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. It is also known as Obstruction Peak.
How does Obstruction Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,812 feet, Obstruction Peak is the 50th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to hike Obstruction Peak?
The Obstruction Pk via Bears Playground is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 13 miles with 3,920 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Obstruction Peak?
Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the Obstruction Pk via Bears Playground, covering 13 miles with 3,920 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Obstruction Peak?
The Obstruction Pk via Bears Playground needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 13 miles with 3,920 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 Obstruction Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Obstruction Peak reaches 13,812 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 Obstruction Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 9 – 11 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike Obstruction 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 Obstruction 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