13,545 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
V 3
V 3 is a 13,545 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the V3 Swamp Canyon Access: 5 mi, 3,350 ft of gain, Class 4.
V 3 at a glance
- Elevation13,545 ft4,128 m
- RouteV3 Swamp Canyon AccessClass 4
- Distance5 mi3,350 ft gain
- Time7 – 9 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the V3 Swamp Canyon Access
V 3 sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is V3 Swamp Canyon Access, rated Class 4. Plan about 5.5 miles round-trip with roughly 3,350 ft of gain from about 10,200 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. 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 V 3
Colorado 13ersPeaks near V 3
Frequently asked questions
How tall is V 3?
V 3 is 13,545 feet (4,128 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. It is also known as V 3.
How does V 3 rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,545 feet, V 3 is the 170th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb V 3?
The V3 Swamp Canyon Access is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 5 miles with 3,350 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb V 3?
Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the V3 Swamp Canyon Access, covering 5 miles with 3,350 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Is V 3 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 V 3?
Most parties bring one. The V3 Swamp Canyon Access is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Will you get altitude sickness on V 3?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and V 3 reaches 13,545 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 V 3?
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 V 3?
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 V 3 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