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13,304 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Sheep Mtn

Sheep Mtn is a 13,304 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Sheep Mountain A North Ridge: 2 mi, 1,175 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Sheep Mtn in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Sheep Mtn at a glance

  • Elevation13,304 ft4,055 m
  • RouteSheep Mountain A North RidgeClass 2
  • Distance2 mi1,175 ft gain
  • Time2 – 4 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado

Climbing the Sheep Mountain A North Ridge

Sheep Mtn sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Sheep Mountain A North Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 2.8 miles round-trip with roughly 1,175 ft of gain from about 12,590 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 Sheep Mtn

Peaks near Sheep Mtn

  1. Greenhalgh Mtn

    Greenhalgh Mtn

    13,228 ft · 0.7 mi away

  2. Canby Mtn

    Canby Mtn

    13,487 ft · 1.9 mi away

  3. Stony Pass Peak

    Stony Pass Peak

    13,172 ft · 2.0 mi away

  4. UN 13076

    UN 13076

    13,076 ft · 3.3 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Sheep Mtn?

Sheep Mtn is 13,304 feet (4,055 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.

How does Sheep Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,304 feet, Sheep Mtn is the 346th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Sheep Mtn?

The Sheep Mountain A North Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 2 miles with 1,175 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Sheep Mtn?

Most people take 2 – 4 hours round trip on the Sheep Mountain A North Ridge, covering 2 miles with 1,175 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Sheep Mtn?

Usually, if you are fit. The Sheep Mountain A North Ridge is a common first summit for hikers ready for 2 – 4 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

Will you get altitude sickness on Sheep Mtn?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Sheep Mtn reaches 13,304 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 Sheep 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 Sheep 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 Sheep 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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