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- Tijeras Peak
13,612 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado
Tijeras Peak
Tijeras Peak is a 13,612 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Tijeras Peak North Side Approach: 10 mi, 3,245 ft of gain, Class 3.
Tijeras Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,612 ft4,148 m
- RouteTijeras Peak North Side ApproachClass 3
- Distance10 mi3,245 ft gain
- Time9 – 11 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado
Climbing the Tijeras Peak North Side Approach
Tijeras Peak sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is Tijeras Peak North Side Approach, rated Class 3. Plan about 10.4 miles round-trip with roughly 3,245 ft of gain from about 10,680 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 (30–40 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 Tijeras Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Tijeras Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Tijeras Peak?
Tijeras Peak is 13,612 feet (4,148 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.
How does Tijeras Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,612 feet, Tijeras Peak is the 134th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Tijeras Peak?
The Tijeras Peak North Side Approach 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: 10 miles with 3,245 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Tijeras Peak?
Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the Tijeras Peak North Side Approach, covering 10 miles with 3,245 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Tijeras 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 Tijeras Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Tijeras Peak North Side Approach, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on Tijeras Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Tijeras Peak reaches 13,612 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 Tijeras Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 9 – 11 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Tijeras 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 Tijeras 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