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13,789 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Rinker Peak

Rinker Peak is a 13,789 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Rinker Peak NE Ridge/Willis Gulch: 10 mi, 4,490 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Rinker Peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Rinker Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,789 ft4,202 m
  • RouteRinker Peak NE Ridge/Willis GulchClass 2
  • Distance10 mi4,490 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Rinker Peak NE Ridge/Willis Gulch

Rinker Peak sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Rinker Peak NE Ridge/Willis Gulch, rated Class 2. Plan about 10 miles round-trip with roughly 4,490 ft of gain from about 9,285 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 (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

  • Storms
  • High altitude
  • Route-finding difficulty

Quests with Rinker Peak

Peaks near Rinker Peak

  1. Mount Hope

    Mount Hope

    13,939 ft · 1.5 mi away

  2. Ellingwood Ridge

    Ellingwood Ridge

    13,222 ft · 1.7 mi away

  3. La Plata Peak

    La Plata Peak

    14,336 ft · 1.9 mi away

  4. Mount Blaurock

    Mount Blaurock

    13,626 ft · 1.9 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Rinker Peak?

Rinker Peak is 13,789 feet (4,202 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Rinker Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,789 feet, Rinker Peak is the 59th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Rinker Peak?

The Rinker Peak NE Ridge/Willis Gulch is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 10 miles with 4,490 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Rinker Peak?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Rinker Peak NE Ridge/Willis Gulch, covering 10 miles with 4,490 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Rinker Peak?

The Rinker Peak NE Ridge/Willis Gulch needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 10 miles with 4,490 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 Rinker Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Rinker Peak reaches 13,789 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 Rinker 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 Rinker 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 Rinker 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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