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- Silver Peak
13,517 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Silver Peak
Silver Peak is a 13,517 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the "Fowler Peak" East Ridge Approach: 12 mi, 3,500 ft of gain, Class 4.
Silver Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,517 ft4,119 m
- Route"Fowler Peak" East Ridge ApproachClass 4
- Distance12 mi3,500 ft gain
- Time12 – 14 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the "Fowler Peak" East Ridge Approach
Silver Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is "Fowler Peak" East Ridge Approach, rated Class 4. Plan about 12 miles round-trip with roughly 3,500 ft of gain from about 10,370 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 a helmet; rope may be prudent for less experienced parties on the crux.
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
Helmet
Harness
Rope
Belay Device
Carabiners
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Silver Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Silver Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Silver Peak?
Silver Peak is 13,517 feet (4,119 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. It is also known as Silver Peak.
How does Silver Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,517 feet, Silver Peak is the 190th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Silver Peak?
The "Fowler Peak" East Ridge Approach is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 12 miles with 3,500 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Silver Peak?
Most people take 12 – 14 hours round trip on the "Fowler Peak" East Ridge Approach, covering 12 miles with 3,500 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Silver 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 rope to climb Silver Peak?
Most parties bring one. The "Fowler Peak" East Ridge Approach is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Will you get altitude sickness on Silver Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Silver Peak reaches 13,517 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 Silver Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 12 – 14 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Silver 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 Silver 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