Yak logoYAK
  1. …
  2. Yak
  3. Quests
  4. Colorado 13ers
  5. Venable Peak

13,333 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Venable Peak

Venable Peak is a 13,333 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Venable Peak NE Ridge: 14 mi, 5,320 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado 13ers
Venable Peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Venable Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,333 ft4,063 m
  • RouteVenable Peak NE RidgeClass 2
  • Distance14 mi5,320 ft gain
  • Time10 – 12 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado

Climbing the Venable Peak NE Ridge

Venable Peak sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is Venable Peak NE Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 14.45 miles round-trip with roughly 5,320 ft of gain from about 9,060 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 (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

What to watch for

  • Storms
  • High altitude
  • Route-finding difficulty

Quests with Venable Peak

Peaks near Venable Peak

  1. Spring Mtn

    Spring Mtn

    13,248 ft · 0.7 mi away

  2. Comanche Peak

    Comanche Peak

    13,277 ft · 1.2 mi away

  3. Pyramid Mtn

    Pyramid Mtn

    13,054 ft · 1.6 mi away

  4. Eureka Mtn

    Eureka Mtn

    13,505 ft · 1.8 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Venable Peak?

Venable Peak is 13,333 feet (4,063 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.

How does Venable Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,333 feet, Venable Peak is the 312th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Venable Peak?

The Venable Peak NE Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 14 miles with 5,320 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Venable Peak?

Most people take 10 – 12 hours round trip on the Venable Peak NE Ridge, covering 14 miles with 5,320 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Venable Peak?

The Venable Peak NE Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 14 miles with 5,320 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 Venable Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Venable Peak reaches 13,333 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 Venable Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 10 – 12 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Venable Peak?

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 Venable 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

App StoreGoogle Play