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- Stewart Peak
13,988 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Stewart Peak
Stewart Peak is a 13,988 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Southwest Ridge: 15 mi, 4,460 ft of gain, Class 2.
Stewart Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,988 ft4,263 m
- RouteSouthwest RidgeClass 2
- Distance15 mi4,460 ft gain
- Time10 – 12 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Southwest Ridge
From Saguache or US 50, take Highway 114 and turn onto NN14 (BLM 3083), then follow long graded dirt roads about 30 miles to the Stewart Creek Trailhead; a crossover or high clearance vehicle is best. Hike the Stewart Creek trail toward San Luis Peak, then leave it for Stewart's Class 2 southwest ridge on tundra and talus. The mileage is long and the area is remote with little cell coverage. Many parties backpack in to add Baldy Alto and San Luis. Start early for afternoon storms. Carry plenty of water.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (35–55 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
- Remote location
- High winds
- Spotty cell reception
Quests with Stewart Peak
Colorado Centennials
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Stewart Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Stewart Peak?
Stewart Peak is 13,988 feet (4,263 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Stewart Peak rank among the Colorado Centennials?
At 13,988 feet, Stewart Peak is the 55th highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Stewart Peak?
The Southwest Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 15 miles with 4,460 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Stewart Peak?
Most people take 10 – 12 hours round trip on the Southwest Ridge, covering 15 miles with 4,460 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Stewart Peak?
The Southwest Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 15 miles with 4,460 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 Stewart Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Stewart Peak reaches 13,988 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 Stewart Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 10 – 12 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike Stewart 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 Stewart 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