Yak logoYAK
  1. …
  2. Yak
  3. Quests
  4. Colorado Centennials
  5. Red Mountain

13,911 ft · Culebra Range, Colorado

Red Mountain

Red Mountain is a 13,911 ft peak in the Culebra Range, Colorado. The standard route is the North Ridge via Culebra Peak: 8 mi, 4,070 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado Centennials
Red Mountain in the Culebra Range, Colorado

Red Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation13,911 ft4,240 m
  • RouteNorth Ridge via Culebra PeakClass 2
  • Distance8 mi4,070 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Jul
  • RangeCulebra RangeColorado

Climbing the North Ridge via Culebra Peak

From San Luis, drive to the ranch headquarters for check-in, then up the ranch road to the Four-way trailhead; the ranch requires 4WD or AWD. The peak is on private land, and a Cielo Vista Ranch reservation with a per-person fee and signed waiver is required, booked online well ahead; the season ends the last weekend of July. Most parties summit Culebra first, then follow the rubbly Class 2 ridge south to Red. Access hours are strict. Start early for storms. Bring your printed confirmation. Pets are not allowed on the ranch.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (30–40 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

  • Loose rock
  • High winds
  • Storms
  • Remote location

Quests with Red Mountain

Peaks near Red Mountain

  1. Culebra Peak

    Culebra Peak

    14,053 ft · 0.7 mi away

  2. UN 13569

    UN 13569

    13,569 ft · 1.9 mi away

  3. UN 13226

    UN 13226

    13,226 ft · 2.3 mi away

  4. Francisco Peak

    Francisco Peak

    13,120 ft · 4.9 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Red Mountain?

Red Mountain is 13,911 feet (4,240 m) tall. It is in the Culebra Range, Colorado.

How does Red Mountain rank among the Colorado Centennials?

At 13,911 feet, Red Mountain is the 70th highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.

How hard is it to hike Red Mountain?

The North Ridge via Culebra Peak is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 8 miles with 4,070 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Red Mountain?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the North Ridge via Culebra Peak, covering 8 miles with 4,070 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Red Mountain?

The North Ridge via Culebra Peak needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 8 miles with 4,070 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 Red Mountain?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Red Mountain reaches 13,911 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 Red Mountain?

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 Red Mountain?

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

Climb Red Mountain 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

App StoreGoogle Play