Yak logoYAK
  1. …
  2. Yak
  3. Quests
  4. Colorado 13ers
  5. Whitney Peak

13,286 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado

Whitney Peak

Whitney Peak is a 13,286 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Whitney Peak South flank: 6 mi, 3,261 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado 13ers
Whitney Peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado

Whitney Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,286 ft4,049 m
  • RouteWhitney Peak South flankClass 2
  • Distance6 mi3,261 ft gain
  • Time5 – 7 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSawatch RangeColorado

Climbing the Whitney Peak South flank

Whitney Peak sits in the Sawatch Range. The usual ascent is Whitney Peak South flank, rated Class 2. Plan about 6 miles round-trip with roughly 3,261 ft of gain from about 10,025 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. Some figures are constructed from published elevation and trailhead; verify on climb13ers.com before relying on them. 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 Whitney Peak

Peaks near Whitney Peak

  1. UN 13786

    UN 13786

    13,786 ft · 1.4 mi away

  2. Holy Cross Ridge

    Holy Cross Ridge

    13,850 ft · 1.9 mi away

  3. UN 13253

    UN 13253

    13,253 ft · 2.2 mi away

  4. Fancy Peak

    Fancy Peak

    13,176 ft · 2.4 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Whitney Peak?

Whitney Peak is 13,286 feet (4,049 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.

How does Whitney Peak rank among the Colorado 13ers?

At 13,286 feet, Whitney Peak is the 358th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.

How hard is it to hike Whitney Peak?

The Whitney Peak South flank is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 6 miles with 3,261 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Whitney Peak?

Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Whitney Peak South flank, covering 6 miles with 3,261 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Whitney Peak?

The Whitney Peak South flank needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 6 miles with 3,261 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 Whitney Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Whitney Peak reaches 13,286 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 Whitney 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 Whitney 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 Whitney 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

App StoreGoogle Play