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13,559 ft · Front Range, Colorado

Pettingell Peak

Pettingell Peak is a 13,559 ft peak in the Front Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Pettingell SE Flank from Herman Lake: 8 mi, 3,250 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Pettingell Peak in the Front Range, Colorado

Pettingell Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,559 ft4,132 m
  • RoutePettingell SE Flank from Herman LakeClass 2
  • Distance8 mi3,250 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeFront RangeColorado

Climbing the Pettingell SE Flank from Herman Lake

Pettingell Peak sits in the Front Range. The usual ascent is Pettingell SE Flank from Herman Lake, rated Class 2. Plan about 8.4 miles round-trip with roughly 3,250 ft of gain from about 10,310 ft. The trailhead is typically reachable by passenger car. 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 Pettingell Peak

Peaks near Pettingell Peak

  1. Citadel, The

    Citadel, The

    13,295 ft · 1.0 mi away

  2. Hassell Peak

    Hassell Peak

    13,223 ft · 1.5 mi away

  3. Hagar Mtn

    Hagar Mtn

    13,246 ft · 1.6 mi away

  4. Golden Bear Peak

    Golden Bear Peak

    13,005 ft · 2.6 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Pettingell Peak?

Pettingell Peak is 13,559 feet (4,132 m) tall. It is in the Front Range, Colorado.

How does Pettingell Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,559 feet, Pettingell Peak is the 160th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Pettingell Peak?

The Pettingell SE Flank from Herman Lake is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 8 miles with 3,250 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Pettingell Peak?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Pettingell SE Flank from Herman Lake, covering 8 miles with 3,250 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Pettingell Peak?

The Pettingell SE Flank from Herman Lake needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 8 miles with 3,250 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 Pettingell Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Pettingell Peak reaches 13,559 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 Pettingell 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 hike Pettingell 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 Pettingell Peak with Yak

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