13,227 ft · Gore Range, Colorado
Pk Z
Pk Z is a 13,227 ft peak in the Gore Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Peak Z South Ridge: 15 mi, 6,285 ft of gain, Class 2.
Pk Z at a glance
- Elevation13,227 ft4,031 m
- RoutePeak Z South RidgeClass 2
- Distance15 mi6,285 ft gain
- Time11 – 13 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeGore RangeColorado
Climbing the Peak Z South Ridge
Pk Z sits in the Gore Range. The usual ascent is Peak Z South Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 15.2 miles round-trip with roughly 6,285 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 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 Pk Z
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Pk Z
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Pk Z?
Pk Z is 13,227 feet (4,031 m) tall. It is in the Gore Range, Colorado. It is also known as Pk Z.
How does Pk Z rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,227 feet, Pk Z is the 408th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to hike Pk Z?
The Peak Z South Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 15 miles with 6,285 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Pk Z?
Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Peak Z South Ridge, covering 15 miles with 6,285 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Pk Z?
The Peak Z South Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 15 miles with 6,285 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 Pk Z?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Pk Z reaches 13,227 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 Pk Z?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 11 – 13 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike Pk Z?
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 Pk Z 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