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13,965 ft · Tenmile Range, Colorado

Pacific Peak

Pacific Peak is a 13,965 ft peak in the Tenmile Range, Colorado. The standard route is the East Ridge: 7 mi, 3,500 ft of gain, Class 3.

Plan this climbView Colorado Centennials
Pacific Peak in the Tenmile Range, Colorado

Pacific Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,965 ft4,256 m
  • RouteEast RidgeClass 3
  • Distance7 mi3,500 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeTenmile RangeColorado

Climbing the East Ridge

From Breckenridge, drive south on Highway 9 and turn west on Blue Lakes Road (CR 850). A Quandary Peak Trailhead parking reservation is required from mid-June to mid-September, with a free shuttle up McCullough Gulch Road (no road parking). Hike McCullough Gulch to Pacific Tarn, then climb the East Ridge on easy Class 3 scrambling with considerable exposure and loose rock. Snow can linger near the tarn into July. Pair with Atlantic or Crystal. Start early for storms. Helmets are recommended on the ridge.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 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

  • Loose rock
  • Steep exposure
  • Rockfall
  • Snow near summit
  • Storms

Quests with Pacific Peak

Peaks near Pacific Peak

  1. Atlantic Peak

    Atlantic Peak

    13,856 ft · 0.7 mi away

  2. Crystal Peak

    Crystal Peak

    13,860 ft · 0.9 mi away

  3. Fletcher Mountain

    Fletcher Mountain

    13,943 ft · 1.4 mi away

  4. Peak 10

    Peak 10

    13,641 ft · 1.8 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Pacific Peak?

Pacific Peak is 13,965 feet (4,256 m) tall. It is in the Tenmile Range, Colorado.

How does Pacific Peak rank among the Colorado Centennials?

At 13,965 feet, Pacific Peak is the 58th highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.

How hard is it to climb Pacific Peak?

The East 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: 7 miles with 3,500 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Pacific Peak?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the East Ridge, covering 7 miles with 3,500 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Is Pacific 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 Pacific Peak?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the East Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.

Will you get altitude sickness on Pacific Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Pacific Peak reaches 13,965 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 Pacific Peak?

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 climb Pacific 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 Pacific 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

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