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13,436 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Spread Eagle Peak

Spread Eagle Peak is a 13,436 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Spread Eagle SW Ridge: 5 mi, 2,500 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Spread Eagle Peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Spread Eagle Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,436 ft4,095 m
  • RouteSpread Eagle SW RidgeClass 2
  • Distance5 mi2,500 ft gain
  • Time4 – 6 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado

Climbing the Spread Eagle SW Ridge

Spread Eagle Peak sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is Spread Eagle SW Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 5 miles round-trip with roughly 2,500 ft of gain from about 11,970 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 layers for cold wind on the summit ridge.

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

What to watch for

  • Storms
  • High altitude
  • Route-finding difficulty

Quests with Spread Eagle Peak

Peaks near Spread Eagle Peak

  1. Peak of the Clouds

    Peak of the Clouds

    13,495 ft · 0.9 mi away

  2. Silver Peak

    Silver Peak

    13,517 ft · 1.4 mi away

  3. Rito Alto Peak

    Rito Alto Peak

    13,801 ft · 1.9 mi away

  4. Hermit Peak

    Hermit Peak

    13,311 ft · 2.4 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Spread Eagle Peak?

Spread Eagle Peak is 13,436 feet (4,095 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.

How does Spread Eagle Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,436 feet, Spread Eagle Peak is the 249th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Spread Eagle Peak?

The Spread Eagle SW Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 5 miles with 2,500 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Spread Eagle Peak?

Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Spread Eagle SW Ridge, covering 5 miles with 2,500 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Spread Eagle Peak?

The Spread Eagle SW Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 5 miles with 2,500 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

Will you get altitude sickness on Spread Eagle Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Spread Eagle Peak reaches 13,436 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 hiking Spread Eagle 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 hike Spread Eagle Peak?

The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Spread Eagle 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

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