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13,040 ft · Elk Mountains, Colorado

West Elk Peak

West Elk Peak is a 13,040 ft peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the West Elk Pk South Ridge Approach: 15 mi, 4,400 ft of gain, Class 2.

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West Elk Peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado

West Elk Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,040 ft3,974 m
  • RouteWest Elk Pk South Ridge ApproachClass 2
  • Distance15 mi4,400 ft gain
  • Time10 – 12 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeElk MountainsColorado

Climbing the West Elk Pk South Ridge Approach

West Elk Peak sits in the Elk Mountains. The usual ascent is West Elk Pk South Ridge Approach, rated Class 2. Plan about 15.2 miles round-trip with roughly 4,400 ft of gain from about 11,060 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 West Elk Peak

Peaks near West Elk Peak

  1. Mount Owen

    Mount Owen

    13,064 ft · 13.8 mi away

  2. Treasury Mtn

    Treasury Mtn

    13,469 ft · 21.2 mi away

  3. White BM

    White BM

    13,411 ft · 22.9 mi away

  4. White Rock Mtn

    White Rock Mtn

    13,523 ft · 23.3 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is West Elk Peak?

West Elk Peak is 13,040 feet (3,974 m) tall. It is in the Elk Mountains, Colorado.

How does West Elk Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,040 feet, West Elk Peak is the 557th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike West Elk Peak?

The West Elk Pk South Ridge Approach is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 15 miles with 4,400 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike West Elk Peak?

Most people take 10 – 12 hours round trip on the West Elk Pk South Ridge Approach, covering 15 miles with 4,400 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike West Elk Peak?

The West Elk Pk South Ridge Approach needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 15 miles with 4,400 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 West Elk Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and West Elk Peak reaches 13,040 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 West Elk 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 West Elk 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 West Elk 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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