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- US Grant Peak
13,778 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
US Grant Peak
US Grant Peak is a 13,778 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the US Grant South Ridge: 6 mi, 3,925 ft of gain, Class 3.
US Grant Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,778 ft4,199 m
- RouteUS Grant South RidgeClass 3
- Distance6 mi3,925 ft gain
- Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the US Grant South Ridge
US Grant Peak sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is US Grant South Ridge, rated Class 3. Plan about 6.5 miles round-trip with roughly 3,925 ft of gain from about 9,845 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 (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
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with US Grant Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near US Grant Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is US Grant Peak?
US Grant Peak is 13,778 feet (4,199 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does US Grant Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,778 feet, US Grant Peak is the 65th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb US Grant Peak?
The US Grant South 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 hard: 6 miles with 3,925 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb US Grant Peak?
Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the US Grant South Ridge, covering 6 miles with 3,925 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Is US Grant 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 US Grant Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the US Grant South Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on US Grant Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and US Grant Peak reaches 13,778 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 US Grant Peak?
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 US Grant 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 US Grant 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