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- West Spanish Peak
13,584 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado
West Spanish Peak
West Spanish Peak is a 13,584 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the W. Spanish Peak SW Ridge: 7 mi, 2,375 ft of gain, Class 2.
West Spanish Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,584 ft4,140 m
- RouteW. Spanish Peak SW RidgeClass 2
- Distance7 mi2,375 ft gain
- Time5 – 7 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado
Climbing the W. Spanish Peak SW Ridge
West Spanish Peak sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is W. Spanish Peak SW Ridge, rated Class 2. Plan about 7.5 miles round-trip with roughly 2,375 ft of gain from about 11,250 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 (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 West Spanish Peak
Colorado 13ersPeaks near West Spanish Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is West Spanish Peak?
West Spanish Peak is 13,584 feet (4,140 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.
How does West Spanish Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,584 feet, West Spanish Peak is the 143rd highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to hike West Spanish Peak?
The W. Spanish Peak SW Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 7 miles with 2,375 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike West Spanish Peak?
Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the W. Spanish Peak SW Ridge, covering 7 miles with 2,375 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike West Spanish Peak?
The W. Spanish Peak SW Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 7 miles with 2,375 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 Spanish Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and West Spanish Peak reaches 13,584 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 Spanish 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 West Spanish 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 Spanish 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