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- Vermilion Peak
13,909 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Vermilion Peak
Vermilion Peak is a 13,909 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the Southeast Ridge: 9 mi, 4,450 ft of gain, Class 2.
Vermilion Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,909 ft4,239 m
- RouteSoutheast RidgeClass 2
- Distance9 mi4,450 ft gain
- Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the Southeast Ridge
From Telluride, drive west on Highway 145, then south toward Lizard Head Pass, and turn onto CR 63A toward Trout Lake. Follow FR 627 to the Hope Lake Trailhead; high clearance is recommended. Hike the popular Hope Lake Trail, then head north through the basin and climb Vermilion's southeast ridge on loose Class 2 terrain with a few steep, exposed moves. Snow lingers into July. Golden Horn and Fuller Peak are nearby add-ons. Start early for storms. Lake Hope is a popular wildflower hike, so expect company low on the trail.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (30–40 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
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Storms
- Snow near summit
Quests with Vermilion Peak
Colorado Centennials
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Vermilion Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Vermilion Peak?
Vermilion Peak is 13,909 feet (4,239 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Vermilion Peak rank among the Colorado Centennials?
At 13,909 feet, Vermilion Peak is the 71st highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Vermilion Peak?
The Southeast Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 9 miles with 4,450 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Vermilion Peak?
Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Southeast Ridge, covering 9 miles with 4,450 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Vermilion Peak?
The Southeast Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 9 miles with 4,450 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 Vermilion Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Vermilion Peak reaches 13,909 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 Vermilion 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 hike Vermilion 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 Vermilion 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