Yak logoYAK
  1. …
  2. Yak
  3. Quests
  4. Colorado 13ers
  5. Rito Alto Peak

13,801 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Rito Alto Peak

Rito Alto Peak is a 13,801 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Rito Alto SE Ridge: 5 mi, 1,755 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado 13ers
Rito Alto Peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Rito Alto Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,801 ft4,206 m
  • RouteRito Alto SE RidgeClass 2
  • Distance5 mi1,755 ft gain
  • Time3 – 5 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado

Climbing the Rito Alto SE Ridge

Rito Alto Peak sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is Rito Alto SE Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 5 miles round-trip with roughly 1,755 ft of gain from about 11,970 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 Rito Alto Peak

Peaks near Rito Alto Peak

  1. Hermit Peak

    Hermit Peak

    13,311 ft · 0.8 mi away

  2. Peak of the Clouds

    Peak of the Clouds

    13,495 ft · 1.0 mi away

  3. Alto Peak

    Alto Peak

    13,059 ft · 1.8 mi away

  4. Spread Eagle Peak

    Spread Eagle Peak

    13,436 ft · 1.9 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Rito Alto Peak?

Rito Alto Peak is 13,801 feet (4,206 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.

How does Rito Alto Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,801 feet, Rito Alto Peak is the 55th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Rito Alto Peak?

The Rito Alto SE Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 5 miles with 1,755 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Rito Alto Peak?

Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the Rito Alto SE Ridge, covering 5 miles with 1,755 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Rito Alto Peak?

The Rito Alto SE Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 5 miles with 1,755 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 Rito Alto Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Rito Alto Peak reaches 13,801 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 Rito Alto 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 Rito Alto 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 Rito Alto 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

App StoreGoogle Play