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13,186 ft · Gore Range, Colorado

Red Peak

Red Peak is a 13,186 ft peak in the Gore Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Red Peak South Flank: 11 mi, 4,250 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Red Peak in the Gore Range, Colorado

Red Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,186 ft4,019 m
  • RouteRed Peak South FlankClass 2
  • Distance11 mi4,250 ft gain
  • Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeGore RangeColorado

Climbing the Red Peak South Flank

Red Peak sits in the Gore Range. The usual ascent is Red Peak South Flank, rated Class 2. Plan about 11.5 miles round-trip with roughly 4,250 ft of gain from about 9,775 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 Red Peak

Peaks near Red Peak

  1. Mount Silverthorne

    Mount Silverthorne

    13,361 ft · 1.6 mi away

  2. Snow Peak

    Snow Peak

    13,039 ft · 2.7 mi away

  3. Mount Valhalla

    Mount Valhalla

    13,202 ft · 3.0 mi away

  4. Grand Traverse Peak

    Grand Traverse Peak

    13,063 ft · 3.8 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Red Peak?

Red Peak is 13,186 feet (4,019 m) tall. It is in the Gore Range, Colorado.

How does Red Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,186 feet, Red Peak is the 440th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Red Peak?

The Red Peak South Flank is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 11 miles with 4,250 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Red Peak?

Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Red Peak South Flank, covering 11 miles with 4,250 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Red Peak?

The Red Peak South Flank needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 11 miles with 4,250 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 Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Red Peak reaches 13,186 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 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 – 10 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Red 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 Red 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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