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- Pico Aislado
13,621 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado
Pico Aislado
Pico Aislado is a 13,621 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Pico Aislado ENE Ridge: 19 mi, 4,610 ft of gain, Class 4.
Pico Aislado at a glance
- Elevation13,621 ft4,151 m
- RoutePico Aislado ENE RidgeClass 4
- Distance19 mi4,610 ft gain
- Time18 – 20 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado
Climbing the Pico Aislado ENE Ridge
Pico Aislado sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is Pico Aislado ENE Ridge, rated Class 4. Plan about 19.9 miles round-trip with roughly 4,610 ft of gain from about 10,680 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 a helmet; rope may be prudent for less experienced parties on the crux.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (55–75 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
Harness
Rope
Belay Device
Carabiners
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Pico Aislado
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Pico Aislado
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Pico Aislado?
Pico Aislado is 13,621 feet (4,151 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.
How does Pico Aislado rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,621 feet, Pico Aislado is the 130th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Pico Aislado?
The Pico Aislado ENE Ridge is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 19 miles with 4,610 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Pico Aislado?
Most people take 18 – 20 hours round trip on the Pico Aislado ENE Ridge, covering 19 miles with 4,610 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Pico Aislado 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 rope to climb Pico Aislado?
Most parties bring one. The Pico Aislado ENE Ridge is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Will you get altitude sickness on Pico Aislado?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Pico Aislado reaches 13,621 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 Pico Aislado?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 18 – 20 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Pico Aislado?
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 Pico Aislado 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