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- West Trinity
13,765 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
West Trinity
West Trinity is a 13,765 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the W. Trinity SW Ridge: 25 mi, 6,700 ft of gain, Class 3.
West Trinity at a glance
- Elevation13,765 ft4,195 m
- RouteW. Trinity SW RidgeClass 3
- Distance25 mi6,700 ft gain
- Time20 – 22 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the W. Trinity SW Ridge
West Trinity sits in the San Juan Mountains. The usual ascent is W. Trinity SW Ridge, rated Class 3. Plan about 25.5 miles round-trip with roughly 6,700 ft of gain from about 10,630 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. A helmet is wise on loose Class 3 sections.
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
- Storms
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with West Trinity
Colorado 13ersPeaks near West Trinity
Frequently asked questions
How tall is West Trinity?
West Trinity is 13,765 feet (4,195 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. It is also known as West Trinity.
How does West Trinity rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,765 feet, West Trinity is the 67th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb West Trinity?
The W. Trinity SW Ridge 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 6,700 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb West Trinity?
Most people take 20 – 22 hours round trip on the W. Trinity SW Ridge, covering 25 miles with 6,700 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is West Trinity 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 West Trinity?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the W. Trinity SW Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on West Trinity?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and West Trinity reaches 13,765 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 climbing West Trinity?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 20 – 22 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb West Trinity?
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 West Trinity 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