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- Redcloud Peak
14,034 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Redcloud Peak
Redcloud Peak is a 14,034 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Northeast Ridge: 9 mi, 3,700 ft of gain, Class 2.
Redcloud Peak at a glance
- Elevation14,034 ft4,277 m
- RouteNortheast RidgeClass 2
- Distance9 mi3,700 ft gain
- Time6 – 8 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Northeast Ridge
From Lake City, Colorado, take the Cinnamon Pass Road to the Silver Creek trailhead. High clearance or 4WD recommended for the rough road. The approach follows colorful volcanic slopes with good trail conditions. Often combined with Sunshine Peak via the connecting ridge for a two-peak day. Watch for afternoon weather on the exposed traverse. Class 2 terrain with some loose rock. The red-tinted rock gives the peak its name. Start early if attempting both peaks. The San Juan Mountains offer spectacular alpine scenery. One of the more accessible San Juan 14ers.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
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
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Storms
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- High winds
- Low visibility
- Remote location
Redcloud Peak on Yak
Climbers have shared 16 climbs of Redcloud Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Redcloud Peak
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Redcloud Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Redcloud Peak?
Redcloud Peak is 14,034 feet (4,277 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Redcloud Peak rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,034 feet, Redcloud Peak is the 50th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Redcloud Peak?
The Northeast Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 9 miles with 3,700 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Redcloud Peak?
Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Northeast Ridge, covering 9 miles with 3,700 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Redcloud Peak?
The Northeast Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 9 miles with 3,700 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 Redcloud Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Redcloud Peak reaches 14,034 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 Redcloud Peak?
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 Redcloud 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.
What is the trailhead elevation for Redcloud Peak?
The Northeast Ridge starts at about 10,440 feet, roughly 3,594 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Redcloud Peak?
The standard route is the Northeast Ridge. Other routes include the Combo: Redcloud and Sunshine Peaks.
Climb Redcloud 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