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13,195 ft · Front Range, Colorado

Powell Peak

Powell Peak is a 13,195 ft peak in the Front Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Powell Peak via Andrews Pass: 15 mi, 4,855 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Powell Peak in the Front Range, Colorado

Powell Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,195 ft4,021 m
  • RoutePowell Peak via Andrews PassClass 2
  • Distance15 mi4,855 ft gain
  • Time10 – 12 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeFront RangeColorado

Climbing the Powell Peak via Andrews Pass

Powell Peak sits in the Front Range. The usual ascent is Powell Peak via Andrews Pass, rated Class 2. Plan about 15.8 miles round-trip with roughly 4,855 ft of gain from about 9,185 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 Powell Peak

Peaks near Powell Peak

  1. McHenrys Peak

    McHenrys Peak

    13,330 ft · 0.4 mi away

  2. Taylor Peak

    Taylor Peak

    13,157 ft · 1.0 mi away

  3. Chiefs Head Peak

    Chiefs Head Peak

    13,577 ft · 1.7 mi away

  4. Mount Alice

    Mount Alice

    13,319 ft · 1.8 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Powell Peak?

Powell Peak is 13,195 feet (4,021 m) tall. It is in the Front Range, Colorado.

How does Powell Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,195 feet, Powell Peak is the 439th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Powell Peak?

The Powell Peak via Andrews Pass is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 15 miles with 4,855 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Powell Peak?

Most people take 10 – 12 hours round trip on the Powell Peak via Andrews Pass, covering 15 miles with 4,855 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Powell Peak?

The Powell Peak via Andrews Pass needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 15 miles with 4,855 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 Powell Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Powell Peak reaches 13,195 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 Powell Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 10 – 12 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Powell 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 Powell 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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