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13,379 ft · Elk Mountains, Colorado

Pearl Mtn

Pearl Mtn is a 13,379 ft peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Pearl Mtn. NW Ridges: 9 mi, 3,165 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Pearl Mtn in the Elk Mountains, Colorado

Pearl Mtn at a glance

  • Elevation13,379 ft4,077 m
  • RoutePearl Mtn. NW RidgesClass 2
  • Distance9 mi3,165 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeElk MountainsColorado

Climbing the Pearl Mtn. NW Ridges

Pearl Mtn sits in the Elk Mountains. The usual ascent is Pearl Mtn. NW Ridges, rated Class 2. Plan about 9.6 miles round-trip with roughly 3,165 ft of gain from about 10,200 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 (30–40 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 Pearl Mtn

Peaks near Pearl Mtn

  1. Oyster Peak

    Oyster Peak

    13,316 ft · 0.6 mi away

  2. Star Peak

    Star Peak

    13,527 ft · 1.9 mi away

  3. Castle Peak

    Castle Peak

    14,279 ft · 2.4 mi away

  4. UN 13559

    UN 13559

    13,559 ft · 2.5 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Pearl Mtn?

Pearl Mtn is 13,379 feet (4,077 m) tall. It is in the Elk Mountains, Colorado.

How does Pearl Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,379 feet, Pearl Mtn is the 284th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Pearl Mtn?

The Pearl Mtn. NW Ridges is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 9 miles with 3,165 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Pearl Mtn?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Pearl Mtn. NW Ridges, covering 9 miles with 3,165 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Pearl Mtn?

The Pearl Mtn. NW Ridges needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 9 miles with 3,165 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 Pearl Mtn?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Pearl Mtn reaches 13,379 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 Pearl Mtn?

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 Pearl Mtn?

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 Pearl Mtn 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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