Our state’s less prestigious peaks are less crowded, at least as beautiful and a mountain of fun

By Jay McKinney

13 items to think about before you hit the 13ers
A special thanks to Roger Wendell of the Colorado Mountain Club for his backcountry knowledge, safety advice and personal 13er recommendations. Those interested in discovering other 13ers should visit Climb13ers.com for its extensive documentation of Colorado’s 13,000-foot peaks. It served as the primary source of information in compiling this list.
1. Map
2. Compass (still recommended
despite phone apps)
3. Matches and fire starter
4. Headlamp/flashlight
with batteries
5. Extra water and food
6. Extra layers (no cotton)
7. First-aid supplies
8. Pocket knife
9. Bivvy Gear-Space blanket/emergency sack
10. Sun protection
11. Signaling device such as a whistle
12. Follow weather apps
13. Acknowledge Mother Nature

Colorado may be known for mountain peaks that exceed 14,000 feet in elevation, but there’s an abundance of 13,000-foot mountains that don’t get the recognition they deserve. Often side-by-side with well-known fourteeners, hikers and climbers should consider these 13 alternatives if they’re interested in the same mountain beauty with considerably less foot traffic.

Mountains are ranked in a class system. Class 1 is the easiest and class 5 is the most difficult.

Bennett Peak 13,203’

A perfect hike for the family, Bennett Peak is a class 1 hike in the San Juan Range. It has an easily accessible trailhead, and mileage-wise, it’s a short hike to the summit. The easy trail crosses tundra with a sea of wildflowers (depending on the time of year) that can make for great photo opportunities.

Mount Sniktau 13,324’

With easy access from Loveland Pass, Mount Sniktau is a perfect day hike for Denver residents looking to escape to the mountains, or tourists eager to get a taste of the Rocky Mountain life. Climbing enthusiasts looking to scratch peaks off their list can easily summit Mount Sniktau with Grizzly Peak and Cupid Peak in a single day.

West Spanish Peak 13,626’

The Spanish Peaks, west of Walsenburg, are a prominent feature in the area, as they are isolated from other peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The west peak is a very accessible hike with a trail rated between class 1 and 2. As hikers near the top, there is a false summit at nearly 13,500 feet. From there, a more prominent trail will become visible, leading to a summit with a breathtaking 360-degree view.

Pacific Peak 13,950’

A class 2 hike located in the Tenmile Range near Breckenridge, Pacific Peak is neighbored by Crystal Peak and Atlantic Peak. They can all be submitted in a proposed loop hike that will allow hikers to see high alpine lakes and an abundance of summer wildflowers. The recommended trailhead is in McCullough Gulch, which is accessible by a county road that is also used for Quandary Peak, so weekends can be more crowded as a result.

West Elk Peak 13,035’

By mileage, this is a strenuous hike that will take most of the day. Given the fact that the peak is centrally located in the West Elk Wilderness northwest of Gunnison, hikers will get their money’s worth in exercise. But for those who value solitude and non-technical tundra terrain hiking, West Elk Peak is worth it.

North Apostle 13,860’

Hikers who have a vehicle with good ground clearance can shave off a few miles of walking for this hike. If not, it is still manageable in a single day if starting from the ghost town of Winfield in Chaffee County. North Apostle is frequently summited with neighboring Ice Mountain. These two peaks, along with West Apostle, comprise the Three Apostles.

Wildhorse Peak 13,266’

From a distance, Wildhorse Peak’s steep and rocky face protruding from the tundra landscape looks a lot more intimidating than it is. Thanks to an easy route through the rocks near the summit, it remains a class 2 hike. However, the summit is highly exposed, with cliffs dropping off in nearly all directions. Climbers are advised to approach the peak from Engineer Pass, which can be accessed from Silverton or Lake City.

Mount Powell 13,580’

Starting from the Piney River Ranch trailhead, Mount Powell is the highest summit in the Gore Range. Despite being the tallest, it’s one of the easiest in the range compared to some of its neighboring peaks that are more technical. While the exposure is minimal, an ice axe is recommended, depending on the chosen route.

Chief’s Head Peak 13,579’

Located within Rocky Mountain National Park, Chief’s Head Peak can be climbed in a single day by the most ambitious hikers, but many choose to climb it in a one- or two-night backpacking trip. If done in a backpacking excursion, a backcountry camping permit will be required and should be obtained in advance. Several miles on a well-worn trail will lead hikers out of the shadow of Longs Peak and the more crowded areas of the national park.

Wasatch Mountain 13,555’

An old mining road will lead hikers on a casual climb up Bridal Veil Basin above Telluride to Wasatch Mountain. The remainder of the hike is a steeper ascent through tundra, rock and scree. This summit is frequently done along with La Junta Peak and Jackass Point, which are also thirteeners, in a single day.Those interested in mining history will love this hike and the incredible mountain scenery. Afterwards, head into Telluride for a celebratory dinner. Note that high-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching the main trailhead.

Parry Peak 13,391’

Heading west on Interstate 70, Parry Peak is one of the visible peaks along the skyline when entering the Rocky Mountains near Floyd Hill. It’s often combined with Mount Eva and Mount Flora, which are also easy thirteeners. Those who want to challenge themselves can add in James Peak to the north for an opportunity to hike a long stretch of the Continental Divide. The best way to accomplish the four-peak summit would be to park one vehicle at each end of the trail.

2 more for experienced climbers

Sleeping Sexton 13,460’

Chances are you’ve seen Sleeping Sexton and didn’t know it. That’s because this rugged class 4 thirteener is located near one of the most photographed views in the state, the Maroon Bells. As beautiful as these mountains may be, they can be extremely dangerous, and climbers need to be prepared. Hikers can summit the mountain in one day and be back in Aspen for happy hour, or they can extend the journey and make it an overnight backpacking endeavor.

Jagged Mountain 13,824’

Jagged Mountain in the Weminuche Wilderness of the San Juan Mountains is an extremely technical climb. It is considered a Centennial Peak, meaning it is one of the 100 highest mountains in Colorado. Among the Centennial Peaks, Jagged is considered one of the most difficult, and its steep, rocky terrain makes its name very fitting. Its remote location also requires a multi-day backpack trip regardless of skill level.

Jay McKinney is a Colorado native who recently graduated from Metro State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications. He loves spending time outdoors, playing golf and hiking.