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13,527 ft · Elk Mountains, Colorado

Star Peak

Star Peak is a 13,527 ft peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Star Peak NE Basin & N. Ridge: 6 mi, 3,890 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Star Peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado

Star Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,527 ft4,123 m
  • RouteStar Peak NE Basin & N. RidgeClass 2
  • Distance6 mi3,890 ft gain
  • Time5 – 7 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeElk MountainsColorado

Climbing the Star Peak NE Basin & N. Ridge

Star Peak sits in the Elk Mountains. The usual ascent is Star Peak NE Basin & N. Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 6.75 miles round-trip with roughly 3,890 ft of gain from about 10,780 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 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 Star Peak

Peaks near Star Peak

  1. Taylor Peak

    Taylor Peak

    13,438 ft · 1.3 mi away

  2. Pearl Mtn

    Pearl Mtn

    13,379 ft · 1.9 mi away

  3. Oyster Peak

    Oyster Peak

    13,316 ft · 2.4 mi away

  4. Italian Mtn

    Italian Mtn

    13,385 ft · 3.5 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Star Peak?

Star Peak is 13,527 feet (4,123 m) tall. It is in the Elk Mountains, Colorado.

How does Star Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,527 feet, Star Peak is the 187th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Star Peak?

The Star Peak NE Basin & N. Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 6 miles with 3,890 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Star Peak?

Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Star Peak NE Basin & N. Ridge, covering 6 miles with 3,890 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Star Peak?

The Star Peak NE Basin & N. Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 6 miles with 3,890 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 Star Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Star Peak reaches 13,527 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 Star 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 Star 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 Star 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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