13,541 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
V 4
V 4 is a 13,541 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Lower Ice Lake/Island Lake Access: 7 mi, 4,245 ft of gain, Class 2.
V 4 at a glance
- Elevation13,541 ft4,127 m
- RouteLower Ice Lake/Island Lake AccessClass 2
- Distance7 mi4,245 ft gain
- Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Lower Ice Lake/Island Lake Access
V 4 sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is Lower Ice Lake/Island Lake Access, rated Class 2. Plan about 7.85 miles round-trip with roughly 4,245 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. Bring layers for cold wind on the summit ridge.
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
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with V 4
Colorado 13ersPeaks near V 4
Frequently asked questions
How tall is V 4?
V 4 is 13,541 feet (4,127 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. It is also known as V 4.
How does V 4 rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,541 feet, V 4 is the 177th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to hike V 4?
The Lower Ice Lake/Island Lake Access is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 7 miles with 4,245 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike V 4?
Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Lower Ice Lake/Island Lake Access, covering 7 miles with 4,245 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike V 4?
The Lower Ice Lake/Island Lake Access needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 7 miles with 4,245 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on V 4?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and V 4 reaches 13,541 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 hiking V 4?
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 hike V 4?
The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb V 4 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