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- Vestal Peak
13,867 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Vestal Peak
Vestal Peak is a 13,867 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the South Face: 25 mi, 6,800 ft of gain, Class 3.
Vestal Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,867 ft4,226 m
- RouteSouth FaceClass 3
- Distance25 mi6,800 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the South Face
From Silverton, drive south on US 550 to the Molas Pass trailhead, then descend the Colorado Trail to the Animas River at Elk Park (or ride the Durango and Silverton train to Elk Park). Hike Elk Creek and the steep climbers' trail into Vestal Basin to camp. The South Face is Class 3 on steep, blocky rock with exposure and loose sections. Plan two to three days, and remember the long climb back out to Molas Pass. Arrow and Trinity share the basin. Helmets are recommended, and the basin camps fill on summer weekends, so arrive early.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (55–75 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
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Remote location
- Stream crossing
- Storms
Quests with Vestal Peak
Colorado Centennials
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Vestal Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Vestal Peak?
Vestal Peak is 13,867 feet (4,226 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Vestal Peak rank among the Colorado Centennials?
At 13,867 feet, Vestal Peak is the 77th highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to climb Vestal Peak?
The South Face is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 25 miles with 6,800 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Vestal Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the South Face, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Vestal 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 Vestal Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the South Face, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Vestal Peak?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Vestal Peak reaches 13,867 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
When is the best time to climb Vestal 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 Vestal 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