Yak logoYAK
  1. …
  2. Yak
  3. Quests
  4. Colorado 13ers
  5. Snow Peak

13,039 ft · Gore Range, Colorado

Snow Peak

Snow Peak is a 13,039 ft peak in the Gore Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Snow Peak North Ridge: 10 mi, 4,350 ft of gain, Class 3.

Plan this climbView Colorado 13ers
Snow Peak in the Gore Range, Colorado

Snow Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,039 ft3,974 m
  • RouteSnow Peak North RidgeClass 3
  • Distance10 mi4,350 ft gain
  • Time9 – 11 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeGore RangeColorado

Climbing the Snow Peak North Ridge

Snow Peak sits in the Gore Range. The usual ascent is Snow Peak North Ridge, rated Class 3. Plan about 10.8 miles round-trip with roughly 4,350 ft of gain from about 8,710 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. A helmet is wise on loose Class 3 sections.

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

What to watch for

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

Quests with Snow Peak

Peaks near Snow Peak

  1. Mount Valhalla

    Mount Valhalla

    13,202 ft · 0.8 mi away

  2. Grand Traverse Peak

    Grand Traverse Peak

    13,063 ft · 1.2 mi away

  3. Mount Silverthorne

    Mount Silverthorne

    13,361 ft · 1.6 mi away

  4. North Traverse Peak

    North Traverse Peak

    13,085 ft · 1.8 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Snow Peak?

Snow Peak is 13,039 feet (3,974 m) tall. It is in the Gore Range, Colorado. It is also known as Snow Peak.

How does Snow Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,039 feet, Snow Peak is the 559th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to climb Snow Peak?

The Snow Peak 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: 10 miles with 4,350 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Snow Peak?

Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the Snow Peak North Ridge, covering 10 miles with 4,350 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Snow 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 Snow Peak?

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

Will you get altitude sickness on Snow Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Snow Peak reaches 13,039 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 Snow Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 9 – 11 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to climb Snow 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 Snow 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

App StoreGoogle Play