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- Sleeping Sexton
13,457 ft · Elk Mountains, Colorado
Sleeping Sexton
Sleeping Sexton is a 13,457 ft peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Sleeping Sexton North Ridge: 9 mi, 4,100 ft of gain, Class 4.
Sleeping Sexton at a glance
- Elevation13,457 ft4,101 m
- RouteSleeping Sexton North RidgeClass 4
- Distance9 mi4,100 ft gain
- Time10 – 12 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeElk MountainsColorado
Climbing the Sleeping Sexton North Ridge
Sleeping Sexton sits in the Elk Mountains. The usual ascent is Sleeping Sexton North Ridge, rated Class 4. Plan about 9.5 miles round-trip with roughly 4,100 ft of gain from about 9,600 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 a helmet; rope may be prudent for less experienced parties on the crux.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (30–40 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 Sleeping Sexton
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Sleeping Sexton
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Sleeping Sexton?
Sleeping Sexton is 13,457 feet (4,101 m) tall. It is in the Elk Mountains, Colorado.
How does Sleeping Sexton rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,457 feet, Sleeping Sexton is the 232nd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Sleeping Sexton?
The Sleeping Sexton North Ridge is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 9 miles with 4,100 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Sleeping Sexton?
Most people take 10 – 12 hours round trip on the Sleeping Sexton North Ridge, covering 9 miles with 4,100 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Sleeping Sexton 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 Sleeping Sexton?
Most parties bring one. The Sleeping Sexton North Ridge is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Will you get altitude sickness on Sleeping Sexton?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Sleeping Sexton reaches 13,457 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 Sleeping Sexton?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 10 – 12 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Sleeping Sexton?
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 Sleeping Sexton 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