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- Storm King Peak
13,753 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Storm King Peak
Storm King Peak is a 13,753 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Storm King South Ridge & Couloir: 14 mi, 6,200 ft of gain, Class 3.
Storm King Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,753 ft4,191 m
- RouteStorm King South Ridge & CouloirClass 3
- Distance14 mi6,200 ft gain
- Time13 – 15 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Storm King South Ridge & Couloir
Storm King Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Storm King South Ridge & Couloir, rated Class 3. Plan about 14.5 miles round-trip with roughly 6,200 ft of gain from about 11,800 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. A helmet is wise on loose Class 3 sections.
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
Helmet
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Storm King Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Storm King Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Storm King Peak?
Storm King Peak is 13,753 feet (4,191 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Storm King Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,753 feet, Storm King Peak is the 72nd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Storm King Peak?
The Storm King South Ridge & Couloir is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 14 miles with 6,200 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Storm King Peak?
Most people take 13 – 15 hours round trip on the Storm King South Ridge & Couloir, covering 14 miles with 6,200 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Storm King 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 Storm King Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Storm King South Ridge & Couloir, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on Storm King Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Storm King Peak reaches 13,753 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 Storm King Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 13 – 15 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Storm King 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 Storm King 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