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13,495 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Peak of the Clouds

Peak of the Clouds is a 13,495 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Peak of the Clouds/Megan Lake: 4 mi, 2,600 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Peak of the Clouds in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Peak of the Clouds at a glance

  • Elevation13,495 ft4,113 m
  • RoutePeak of the Clouds/Megan LakeClass 2
  • Distance4 mi2,600 ft gain
  • Time3 – 5 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado

Climbing the Peak of the Clouds/Megan Lake

Peak of the Clouds sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is Peak of the Clouds/Megan Lake, rated Class 2. Plan about 4 miles round-trip with roughly 2,600 ft of gain from about 11,970 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. Bring layers for cold wind on the summit 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

What to watch for

  • Storms
  • High altitude
  • Route-finding difficulty

Quests with Peak of the Clouds

Peaks near Peak of the Clouds

  1. Spread Eagle Peak

    Spread Eagle Peak

    13,436 ft · 0.9 mi away

  2. Rito Alto Peak

    Rito Alto Peak

    13,801 ft · 1.0 mi away

  3. Silver Peak

    Silver Peak

    13,517 ft · 1.0 mi away

  4. Hermit Peak

    Hermit Peak

    13,311 ft · 1.8 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Peak of the Clouds?

Peak of the Clouds is 13,495 feet (4,113 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. It is also known as Peak of the Clouds.

How does Peak of the Clouds rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,495 feet, Peak of the Clouds is the 206th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Peak of the Clouds?

The Peak of the Clouds/Megan Lake is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 4 miles with 2,600 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Peak of the Clouds?

Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the Peak of the Clouds/Megan Lake, covering 4 miles with 2,600 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Peak of the Clouds?

The Peak of the Clouds/Megan Lake needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 4 miles with 2,600 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 Peak of the Clouds?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Peak of the Clouds reaches 13,495 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 Peak of the Clouds?

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 hike Peak of the Clouds?

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 Peak of the Clouds 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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