- …
- Yak
- Quests
- Colorado 13ers
- Teakettle Mtn
13,815 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Teakettle Mtn
Teakettle Mtn is a 13,815 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Teakettle SE Ridge: 3 mi, 3,200 ft of gain, Class 5.
Teakettle Mtn at a glance
- Elevation13,815 ft4,210 m
- RouteTeakettle SE RidgeClass 5
- Distance3 mi3,200 ft gain
- Time5 – 7 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Teakettle SE Ridge
Teakettle Mtn sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Teakettle SE Ridge, rated Class 5. Plan about 3.6 miles round-trip with roughly 3,200 ft of gain from about 11,380 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 a helmet; rope may be prudent for less experienced parties on the crux.
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
Helmet
Harness
Rope
Belay Device
Carabiners
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Teakettle Mtn
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Teakettle Mtn
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Teakettle Mtn?
Teakettle Mtn is 13,815 feet (4,210 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Teakettle Mtn rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,815 feet, Teakettle Mtn is the 48th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Teakettle Mtn?
The Teakettle SE Ridge is Class 5, which means technical climbing with a rope and protection. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 3 miles with 3,200 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Teakettle Mtn?
Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Teakettle SE Ridge, covering 3 miles with 3,200 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Is Teakettle Mtn 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 rope to climb Teakettle Mtn?
Most parties bring one. The Teakettle SE Ridge is Class 5, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Will you get altitude sickness on Teakettle Mtn?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Teakettle Mtn reaches 13,815 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 Teakettle Mtn?
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 climb Teakettle Mtn?
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 Teakettle Mtn 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