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- South Lookout Peak
13,420 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
South Lookout Peak
South Lookout Peak is a 13,420 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the South Lookout East Face: 10 mi, 3,600 ft of gain, Class 4.
South Lookout Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,420 ft4,090 m
- RouteSouth Lookout East FaceClass 4
- Distance10 mi3,600 ft gain
- Time11 – 13 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the South Lookout East Face
South Lookout Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is South Lookout East Face, rated Class 4. Plan about 10.8 miles round-trip with roughly 3,600 ft of gain from about 11,985 ft. Expect a rough 4WD approach road. 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 South Lookout Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near South Lookout Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is South Lookout Peak?
South Lookout Peak is 13,420 feet (4,090 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does South Lookout Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,420 feet, South Lookout Peak is the 254th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb South Lookout Peak?
The South Lookout East Face is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 10 miles with 3,600 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb South Lookout Peak?
Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the South Lookout East Face, covering 10 miles with 3,600 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is South Lookout 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 South Lookout Peak?
Most parties bring one. The South Lookout East Face is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Will you get altitude sickness on South Lookout Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and South Lookout Peak reaches 13,420 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 South Lookout Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 11 – 13 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb South Lookout 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 South Lookout 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