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13,094 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Virginia Peak

Virginia Peak is a 13,094 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Virginia Peak SE Ridge: 3 mi, 2,550 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Virginia Peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Virginia Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,094 ft3,991 m
  • RouteVirginia Peak SE RidgeClass 2
  • Distance3 mi2,550 ft gain
  • Time3 – 5 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Virginia Peak SE Ridge

Virginia Peak sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Virginia Peak SE Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 3.5 miles round-trip with roughly 2,550 ft of gain from about 10,880 ft. Expect a rough 4WD approach road. 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 Virginia Peak

Peaks near Virginia Peak

  1. Sheep Rock Mtn

    Sheep Rock Mtn

    13,261 ft · 1.0 mi away

  2. UN 13145

    UN 13145

    13,145 ft · 2.4 mi away

  3. Grizzly Peak

    Grizzly Peak

    13,309 ft · 2.6 mi away

  4. UN 13305

    UN 13305

    13,305 ft · 2.6 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Virginia Peak?

Virginia Peak is 13,094 feet (3,991 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Virginia Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,094 feet, Virginia Peak is the 516th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Virginia Peak?

The Virginia Peak SE Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 3 miles with 2,550 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Virginia Peak?

Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the Virginia Peak SE Ridge, covering 3 miles with 2,550 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Virginia Peak?

The Virginia Peak SE Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 3 miles with 2,550 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 Virginia Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Virginia Peak reaches 13,094 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 Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia 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

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