13,268 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
S 8
S 8 is a 13,268 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the S.8 West Ridge via Deep Creek: 14 mi, 4,100 ft of gain, Class 2.
S 8 at a glance
- Elevation13,268 ft4,044 m
- RouteS.8 West Ridge via Deep CreekClass 2
- Distance14 mi4,100 ft gain
- Time9 – 11 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the S.8 West Ridge via Deep Creek
S 8 sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is S.8 West Ridge via Deep Creek, rated Class 2. Plan about 14.8 miles round-trip with roughly 4,100 ft of gain from about 9,100 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 (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
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with S 8
Colorado 13ersPeaks near S 8
Frequently asked questions
How tall is S 8?
S 8 is 13,268 feet (4,044 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. It is also known as S 8.
How does S 8 rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,268 feet, S 8 is the 374th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to hike S 8?
The S.8 West Ridge via Deep Creek is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 14 miles with 4,100 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike S 8?
Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the S.8 West Ridge via Deep Creek, covering 14 miles with 4,100 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike S 8?
The S.8 West Ridge via Deep Creek needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 14 miles with 4,100 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 S 8?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and S 8 reaches 13,268 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 S 8?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 9 – 11 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike S 8?
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 S 8 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