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13,130 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Pika Peak

Pika Peak is a 13,130 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Pika Peak West Ridge: 11 mi, 5,400 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Pika Peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Pika Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,130 ft4,002 m
  • RoutePika Peak West RidgeClass 2
  • Distance11 mi5,400 ft gain
  • Time9 – 11 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Pika Peak West Ridge

Pika Peak sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Pika Peak West Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 11.85 miles round-trip with roughly 5,400 ft of gain from about 9,440 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 (35–55 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 Pika Peak

Peaks near Pika Peak

  1. Gold Dust Peak

    Gold Dust Peak

    13,398 ft · 0.8 mi away

  2. Ribbed Peak

    Ribbed Peak

    13,089 ft · 2.9 mi away

  3. Mount Jackson

    Mount Jackson

    13,675 ft · 3.2 mi away

  4. UN 13002

    UN 13002

    13,002 ft · 5.3 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Pika Peak?

Pika Peak is 13,130 feet (4,002 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. It is also known as Pika Peak.

How does Pika Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,130 feet, Pika Peak is the 490th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Pika Peak?

The Pika Peak West Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 11 miles with 5,400 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Pika Peak?

Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the Pika Peak West Ridge, covering 11 miles with 5,400 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Pika Peak?

The Pika Peak West Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 11 miles with 5,400 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 Pika Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Pika Peak reaches 13,130 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 Pika Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 9 – 11 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Pika 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 Pika 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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