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14,025 ft · Elk Mountains, Colorado

Pyramid Peak

Pyramid Peak is a 14,025 ft peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Northeast Ridge: 8 mi, 4,500 ft of gain, Class 4.

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Pyramid Peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado

Pyramid Peak at a glance

  • Elevation14,025 ft4,274 m
  • RouteNortheast RidgeClass 4
  • Distance8 mi4,500 ft gain
  • Time8 – 12 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeElk MountainsColorado

Climbing the Northeast Ridge

From Aspen, Colorado, drive to the Maroon Lake area (Maroon Bells reservation required in summer). The approach via Maroon Creek Trail leads to the base of the peak. Pyramid involves steep, loose ledges with significant exposure and Class 4 terrain on the upper mountain. Helmets are essential due to rockfall from parties above. Route-finding is critical with multiple options through the ledge systems. One of Colorado's most challenging 14ers requiring scrambling experience and comfort with exposure. Start very early (2-3am) for this demanding day. Only for experienced mountain climbers.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 L)
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Helmet
  • Rope
  • Harness
  • Carabiners
  • Belay Device
  • Whistle
  • Hiking Boots
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Sun Hat
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

What to watch for

  • Steep exposure
  • Loose rock
  • Snow near summit
  • Ice near summit
  • Storms
  • Low visibility
  • Rockfall
  • High altitude
  • Altitude sickness
  • High winds
  • Route-finding difficulty

Pyramid Peak on Yak

Climbers have shared 10 climbs of Pyramid Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app

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Quests with Pyramid Peak

Peaks near Pyramid Peak

  1. UN 13642

    UN 13642

    13,642 ft · 1.8 mi away

  2. North Maroon Peak

    North Maroon Peak

    14,022 ft · 2.0 mi away

  3. Maroon Peak

    Maroon Peak

    14,163 ft · 2.1 mi away

  4. UN 13223

    UN 13223

    13,223 ft · 2.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Pyramid Peak?

Pyramid Peak is 14,025 feet (4,274 m) tall. It is in the Elk Mountains, Colorado.

How does Pyramid Peak rank among the Colorado 14ers?

At 14,025 feet, Pyramid Peak is the 51st highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.

How hard is it to climb Pyramid Peak?

The Northeast Ridge is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 8 miles with 4,500 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Pyramid Peak?

Most people take 8 – 12 hours round trip on the Northeast Ridge, covering 8 miles with 4,500 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Pyramid Peak 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 Pyramid Peak?

Most parties bring one. The Northeast Ridge is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.

Will you get altitude sickness on Pyramid Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Pyramid Peak reaches 14,025 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 Pyramid Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 8 – 12 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to climb Pyramid Peak?

The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

What is the trailhead elevation for Pyramid Peak?

The Northeast Ridge starts at about 9,570 feet, roughly 4,455 feet below the summit.

What routes go up Pyramid Peak?

The standard route is the Northeast Ridge. Other routes include the North Maroon, Maroon, and Pyramid Peak Loop.

Climb Pyramid 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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