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13,495 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Storm Peak

Storm Peak is a 13,495 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Storm Peak - Boulder Gulch: 12 mi, 3,900 ft of gain, Class 3.

Plan this climbView Colorado 13ers
Storm Peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Storm Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,495 ft4,113 m
  • RouteStorm Peak - Boulder GulchClass 3
  • Distance12 mi3,900 ft gain
  • Time10 – 12 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado

Climbing the Storm Peak - Boulder Gulch

Storm Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Storm Peak - Boulder Gulch, rated Class 3. Plan about 12 miles round-trip with roughly 3,900 ft of gain from about 9,570 ft. Expect high clearance for the drive. 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 Peak

Peaks near Storm Peak

  1. Tower Mtn

    Tower Mtn

    13,545 ft · 1.3 mi away

  2. Proposal Peak

    Proposal Peak

    13,339 ft · 2.1 mi away

  3. Bonita Peak

    Bonita Peak

    13,286 ft · 2.9 mi away

  4. Hanson Peak

    Hanson Peak

    13,462 ft · 4.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Storm Peak?

Storm Peak is 13,495 feet (4,113 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.

How does Storm Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,495 feet, Storm Peak is the 206th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to climb Storm Peak?

The Storm Peak - Boulder Gulch 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: 12 miles with 3,900 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Storm Peak?

Most people take 10 – 12 hours round trip on the Storm Peak - Boulder Gulch, covering 12 miles with 3,900 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Storm 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 Peak?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Storm Peak - Boulder Gulch, so a helmet is on the gear list.

Will you get altitude sickness on Storm Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Storm Peak reaches 13,495 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 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 climb Storm 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 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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