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13,465 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Quail Mtn

Quail Mtn is a 13,465 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Quail Mtn. West Ridge: 6 mi, 3,560 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Quail Mtn in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Quail Mtn at a glance

  • Elevation13,465 ft4,104 m
  • RouteQuail Mtn. West RidgeClass 2
  • Distance6 mi3,560 ft gain
  • Time5 – 7 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Quail Mtn. West Ridge

Quail Mtn sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Quail Mtn. West Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 6.2 miles round-trip with roughly 3,560 ft of gain from about 9,900 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 (25–35 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 Quail Mtn

Peaks near Quail Mtn

  1. Mount Hope

    Mount Hope

    13,939 ft · 1.4 mi away

  2. Ervin Peak

    Ervin Peak

    13,538 ft · 2.5 mi away

  3. Rinker Peak

    Rinker Peak

    13,789 ft · 2.7 mi away

  4. Mount Blaurock

    Mount Blaurock

    13,626 ft · 3.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Quail Mtn?

Quail Mtn is 13,465 feet (4,104 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Quail Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,465 feet, Quail Mtn is the 228th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Quail Mtn?

The Quail Mtn. West Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 6 miles with 3,560 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Quail Mtn?

Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Quail Mtn. West Ridge, covering 6 miles with 3,560 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Quail Mtn?

The Quail Mtn. West Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 6 miles with 3,560 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 Quail Mtn?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Quail Mtn reaches 13,465 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 Quail Mtn?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.

When is the best time to hike Quail Mtn?

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 Quail Mtn 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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