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13,682 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Seven Peak

Seven Peak is a 13,682 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Peak Seven North Ridge: 16 mi, 6,700 ft of gain, Class 3.

Seven Peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Seven Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,682 ft4,170 m
  • RoutePeak Seven North RidgeClass 3
  • Distance16 mi6,700 ft gain
  • Time14 – 16 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado

Climbing the Peak Seven North Ridge

Seven Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Peak Seven North Ridge, rated Class 3. Plan about 16.5 miles round-trip with roughly 6,700 ft of gain from about 11,800 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. A helmet is wise on loose Class 3 sections.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (55–75 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
  • Helmet

What to watch for

  • Storms
  • High altitude
  • Loose rock
  • Steep exposure
  • Route-finding difficulty

Quests with Seven Peak

Peaks near Seven Peak

  1. Eight Peak

    Eight Peak

    13,252 ft · 0.4 mi away

  2. Nine Peak

    Nine Peak

    13,404 ft · 0.8 mi away

  3. Six Peak

    Six Peak

    13,712 ft · 0.8 mi away

  4. Storm King Peak

    Storm King Peak

    13,753 ft · 1.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Seven Peak?

Seven Peak is 13,682 feet (4,170 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. It is also known as Seven, Peak.

How does Seven Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,682 feet, Seven Peak is the 104th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to climb Seven Peak?

The Peak Seven North Ridge is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 16 miles with 6,700 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Seven Peak?

Most people take 14 – 16 hours round trip on the Peak Seven North Ridge, covering 16 miles with 6,700 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Seven Peak dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.

Do you need a helmet for Seven Peak?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Peak Seven North Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.

Will you get altitude sickness on Seven Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Seven Peak reaches 13,682 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 climbing Seven Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 14 – 16 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to climb Seven Peak?

The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Seven 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