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- Pilot Knob
13,746 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Pilot Knob
Pilot Knob is a 13,746 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Pilot Knob - Ice Lake to West Flank: 10 mi, 3,890 ft of gain, Class 3.
Pilot Knob at a glance
- Elevation13,746 ft4,189 m
- RoutePilot Knob - Ice Lake to West FlankClass 3
- Distance10 mi3,890 ft gain
- Time9 – 11 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Pilot Knob - Ice Lake to West Flank
Pilot Knob sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Pilot Knob - Ice Lake to West Flank, rated Class 3. Plan about 10.6 miles round-trip with roughly 3,890 ft of gain from about 9,845 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. A helmet is wise on loose Class 3 sections.
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
Helmet
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Pilot Knob
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Pilot Knob
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Pilot Knob?
Pilot Knob is 13,746 feet (4,189 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Pilot Knob rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,746 feet, Pilot Knob is the 76th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Pilot Knob?
The Pilot Knob - Ice Lake to West Flank is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 10 miles with 3,890 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Pilot Knob?
Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the Pilot Knob - Ice Lake to West Flank, covering 10 miles with 3,890 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Pilot Knob 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 helmet for Pilot Knob?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Pilot Knob - Ice Lake to West Flank, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on Pilot Knob?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Pilot Knob reaches 13,746 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 Pilot Knob?
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 climb Pilot Knob?
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 Pilot Knob 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