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- San Luis Peak
14,014 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
San Luis Peak
San Luis Peak is a 14,014 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Northeast Ridge: 13 mi, 3,600 ft of gain, Class 1.
San Luis Peak at a glance
- Elevation14,014 ft4,271 m
- RouteNortheast RidgeClass 1
- Distance13 mi3,600 ft gain
- Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Northeast Ridge
From Lake City or Creede, Colorado, take rough forest roads to either the Stewart Creek or West Willow trailhead. High clearance recommended. Remote location with mellow grades makes this one of Colorado's gentler 14ers, though the mileage is significant. Less crowded than Front Range peaks. Afternoon thunderstorms and mosquitoes are problems in midsummer. Limited water sources on the upper mountain. Bring plenty of water and start early. The summit offers expansive views of the surrounding San Juan wilderness. One of the best peaks for solitude seekers. No technical climbing required.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Storms
- High winds
- Remote location
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Low visibility
San Luis Peak on Yak
Climbers have shared 14 climbs of San Luis Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with San Luis Peak
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near San Luis Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is San Luis Peak?
San Luis Peak is 14,014 feet (4,271 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does San Luis Peak rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,014 feet, San Luis Peak is the 55th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike San Luis Peak?
The Northeast Ridge is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 13 miles with 3,600 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike San Luis Peak?
Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Northeast Ridge, covering 13 miles with 3,600 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike San Luis Peak?
The Northeast Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 13 miles with 3,600 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 San Luis Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and San Luis Peak reaches 14,014 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 San Luis 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 San Luis 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.
What is the trailhead elevation for San Luis Peak?
The Northeast Ridge starts at about 10,470 feet, roughly 3,544 feet below the summit.
What routes go up San Luis Peak?
The standard route is the Northeast Ridge. Other routes include the South Ridge.
Climb San Luis 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