13,239 ft · Gore Range, Colorado
Pk Q
Pk Q is a 13,239 ft peak in the Gore Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Peak Q NE Face: 17 mi, 6,760 ft of gain, Class 4.
Pk Q at a glance
- Elevation13,239 ft4,035 m
- RoutePeak Q NE FaceClass 4
- Distance17 mi6,760 ft gain
- Time18 – 20 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeGore RangeColorado
Climbing the Peak Q NE Face
Pk Q sits in the Gore Range. The usual ascent is Peak Q NE Face, rated Class 4. Plan about 17.4 miles round-trip with roughly 6,760 ft of gain from about 8,450 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 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 Pk Q
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Pk Q
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Pk Q?
Pk Q is 13,239 feet (4,035 m) tall. It is in the Gore Range, Colorado. It is also known as Pk Q.
How does Pk Q rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,239 feet, Pk Q is the 395th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Pk Q?
The Peak Q NE Face is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 17 miles with 6,760 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Pk Q?
Most people take 18 – 20 hours round trip on the Peak Q NE Face, covering 17 miles with 6,760 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Pk Q 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 Pk Q?
Most parties bring one. The Peak Q NE Face is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Will you get altitude sickness on Pk Q?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Pk Q reaches 13,239 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 Pk Q?
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 Pk Q?
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 Pk Q 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