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

13,090 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Snowdon Peak

Snowdon Peak is a 13,090 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Snowdon Peak NE Ridge: 6 mi, 2,350 ft of gain, Class 3.

Plan this climbView Colorado 13ers
Snowdon Peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Snowdon Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,090 ft3,989 m
  • RouteSnowdon Peak NE RidgeClass 3
  • Distance6 mi2,350 ft gain
  • Time5 – 7 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado

Climbing the Snowdon Peak NE Ridge

Snowdon Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Snowdon Peak NE Ridge, rated Class 3. Plan about 6 miles round-trip with roughly 2,350 ft of gain from about 10,815 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 (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
  • Helmet

What to watch for

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

Quests with Snowdon Peak

Peaks near Snowdon Peak

  1. N 2

    N 2

    13,060 ft · 0.6 mi away

  2. Mount Garfield

    Mount Garfield

    13,087 ft · 3.0 mi away

  3. North Twilight Peak

    North Twilight Peak

    13,084 ft · 3.4 mi away

  4. Twilight Peak

    Twilight Peak

    13,162 ft · 3.7 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Snowdon Peak?

Snowdon Peak is 13,090 feet (3,989 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.

How does Snowdon Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,090 feet, Snowdon Peak is the 521st highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to climb Snowdon Peak?

The Snowdon Peak NE 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 hard: 6 miles with 2,350 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Snowdon Peak?

Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Snowdon Peak NE Ridge, covering 6 miles with 2,350 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Is Snowdon 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 Snowdon Peak?

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

Will you get altitude sickness on Snowdon Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Snowdon Peak reaches 13,090 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 Snowdon Peak?

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 climb Snowdon 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 Snowdon 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