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13,278 ft · Front Range, Colorado

Ruby Mtn

Ruby Mtn is a 13,278 ft peak in the Front Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Ruby Mtn SSE Ridge/Flank: 2 mi, 2,180 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Ruby Mtn in the Front Range, Colorado

Ruby Mtn at a glance

  • Elevation13,278 ft4,047 m
  • RouteRuby Mtn SSE Ridge/FlankClass 2
  • Distance2 mi2,180 ft gain
  • Time2 – 4 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeFront RangeColorado

Climbing the Ruby Mtn SSE Ridge/Flank

Ruby Mtn sits in the Front Range. The usual ascent is Ruby Mtn SSE Ridge/Flank, rated Class 2. Plan about 2.4 miles round-trip with roughly 2,180 ft of gain from about 11,100 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. 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 Ruby Mtn

Peaks near Ruby Mtn

  1. Grays Peak

    Grays Peak

    14,278 ft · 1.2 mi away

  2. Mount Edwards

    Mount Edwards

    13,860 ft · 1.8 mi away

  3. Torreys Peak

    Torreys Peak

    14,267 ft · 1.9 mi away

  4. Argentine Peak

    Argentine Peak

    13,743 ft · 2.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Ruby Mtn?

Ruby Mtn is 13,278 feet (4,047 m) tall. It is in the Front Range, Colorado.

How does Ruby Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,278 feet, Ruby Mtn is the 363rd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Ruby Mtn?

The Ruby Mtn SSE Ridge/Flank is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 2 miles with 2,180 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Ruby Mtn?

Most people take 2 – 4 hours round trip on the Ruby Mtn SSE Ridge/Flank, covering 2 miles with 2,180 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Ruby Mtn?

The Ruby Mtn SSE Ridge/Flank needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 2 miles with 2,180 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 Ruby Mtn?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Ruby Mtn reaches 13,278 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 Ruby Mtn?

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 Ruby Mtn?

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 Ruby Mtn 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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