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- Twilight Peak
13,162 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Twilight Peak
Twilight Peak is a 13,162 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Twilight Peak North Ridge: 15 mi, 3,655 ft of gain, Class 3.
Twilight Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,162 ft4,011 m
- RouteTwilight Peak North RidgeClass 3
- Distance15 mi3,655 ft gain
- Time12 – 14 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Twilight Peak North Ridge
Twilight Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Twilight Peak North Ridge, rated Class 3. Plan about 15 miles round-trip with roughly 3,655 ft of gain from about 10,815 ft. The trailhead is typically reachable by passenger car. 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 Twilight Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Twilight Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Twilight Peak?
Twilight Peak is 13,162 feet (4,011 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Twilight Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,162 feet, Twilight Peak is the 463rd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Twilight Peak?
The Twilight Peak North Ridge 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: 15 miles with 3,655 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Twilight Peak?
Most people take 12 – 14 hours round trip on the Twilight Peak North Ridge, covering 15 miles with 3,655 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Twilight 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 Twilight Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Twilight Peak North Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on Twilight Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Twilight Peak reaches 13,162 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 Twilight Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 12 – 14 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Twilight 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 Twilight 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