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13,089 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Ribbed Peak

Ribbed Peak is a 13,089 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Southwest Face: 13 mi, 4,070 ft of gain, Class 3.

Plan this climbView Colorado 13ers
Ribbed Peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Ribbed Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,089 ft3,989 m
  • RouteSouthwest FaceClass 3
  • Distance13 mi4,070 ft gain
  • Time11 – 13 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Southwest Face

Ribbed Peak sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Southwest Face, rated Class 3. Plan about 13.4 miles round-trip with roughly 4,070 ft of gain from about 9,400 ft. Expect high clearance for the drive. 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. A helmet is wise on loose Class 3 sections. Carry extra water above treeline.

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
  • Helmet

What to watch for

  • Storms
  • High altitude
  • Loose rock
  • Steep exposure
  • Route-finding difficulty

Quests with Ribbed Peak

Peaks near Ribbed Peak

  1. UN 13002

    UN 13002

    13,002 ft · 2.4 mi away

  2. Pika Peak

    Pika Peak

    13,130 ft · 2.9 mi away

  3. Fancy Peak

    Fancy Peak

    13,176 ft · 3.3 mi away

  4. Gold Dust Peak

    Gold Dust Peak

    13,398 ft · 3.7 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Ribbed Peak?

Ribbed Peak is 13,089 feet (3,989 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. It is also known as Ribbed Peak.

How does Ribbed Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,089 feet, Ribbed Peak is the 522nd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to climb Ribbed Peak?

The Southwest Face is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 13 miles with 4,070 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Ribbed Peak?

Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Southwest Face, covering 13 miles with 4,070 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Ribbed Peak dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.

Do you need a helmet for Ribbed Peak?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Southwest Face, so a helmet is on the gear list.

Will you get altitude sickness on Ribbed Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Ribbed Peak reaches 13,089 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 climbing Ribbed Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 11 – 13 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to climb Ribbed Peak?

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

Climb Ribbed 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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