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- Redcliff
13,648 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Redcliff
Redcliff is a 13,648 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Redcliff West Slopes & South Ridge: 6 mi, 2,900 ft of gain, Class 2.
Redcliff at a glance
- Elevation13,648 ft4,159 m
- RouteRedcliff West Slopes & South RidgeClass 2
- Distance6 mi2,900 ft gain
- Time4 – 6 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Redcliff West Slopes & South Ridge
Redcliff sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Redcliff West Slopes & South Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 6 miles round-trip with roughly 2,900 ft of gain from about 10,750 ft. Expect a rough 4WD approach road. 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 Redcliff
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Redcliff
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Redcliff?
Redcliff is 13,648 feet (4,159 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Redcliff rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,648 feet, Redcliff is the 118th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to hike Redcliff?
The Redcliff West Slopes & South 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 2,900 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Redcliff?
Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Redcliff West Slopes & South Ridge, covering 6 miles with 2,900 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Redcliff?
The Redcliff West Slopes & South Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 6 miles with 2,900 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 Redcliff?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Redcliff reaches 13,648 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 Redcliff?
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 Redcliff?
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 Redcliff 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