11 Rugged 13er Summits in Colorado That Even Veteran Climbers Respect

Colorado’s Top 13er Summits

These 13ers might not be as famous as the 14ers, but they’re just as fun to climb, or maybe even more.

Whether you want a tough scramble, a quiet backcountry adventure, or a chill hike to a stunning summit, these 11 mountains are some of the best to climb in 2025.

Mount Meeker – 13,916 feet

Mount Meeker features a tough Class 3 climb via the Loft Route, giving you a quieter but still challenging alternative to nearby Longs Peak. Start your trek from the Longs Peak Trailhead, about 9 miles south of Estes Park.

Grizzly Peak A – 13,988 feet

Grizzly Peak A is the highest 13er in Colorado. The standard route includes a Class 2+ climb with some tricky sections and careful navigation.

You can get to Grizzly Peak A from the Independence Pass area, about 19 miles east of Aspen. If you make it to the summit, your reward are incredible views of the Sawatch Range and the Elk Mountains.

Pacific Peak – 13,965 feet

The 13,965-ft Pacific Peak is right in the heart of the Tenmile Range near Breckenridge.

The mountain gives you several routes, including a tough Class 3 scramble up the north ridge. The usual start is at the Mayflower Gulch trailhead off Highway 91 between Copper Mountain and Leadville.

Mount Adams – 13,936 feet

This one’s part of the Colorado’s Centennial Peaks list. Mount Adams offers challenging yet accessible terrain with a significant elevation gain of about 5,292 feet over a 13.5-mile round trip, making it feel like a 14er. Depending on your skill level, you can take the classic west ridge route rated as Class 2+ or go on the Class 3.

Vermilion Peak – 13,909 feet

Vermilion Peak is the 74th highest peak in Colorado with a moderate challenge and scrambling required, but nothing too technical. Once you reach the top, you’re treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains.

The Lake Hope Trail lets you tackle several peaks in one trip, which is great for efficient peak-bagging. As you explore Vermilion Peak, you’ll see evidence of the area’s volcanic history, with interesting rock formations all around.

Hagerman Peak – 13,848 feet

Hagerman Peak may be a couple hundred feet short of being a 14er, but don’t underestimate this one.

It’s a challenging scramble, especially on its rocky South Face. Because it’s off the beaten path, Hagerman Peak offers you a peaceful experience away from the crowds. The South Face also gives you options for both climbing up and skiing down.

Jagged Mountain – 13,830 feet

Jagged Mountain is famous for being really remote, tucked away in the rugged San Juan Mountains. Climbers consider it one of the toughest 13ers in Colorado and calls for technical climbing skills.

Getting to Jagged Mountain usually involves a multi-day backpacking trip, often starting with a scenic train ride.

As you navigate the summit ridge, you’ll find a complex maze of granite towers. You can see for miles on a clear day, all the way to Needle Mountains, Grenadier Range, and Twilight Peaks.

Mount Ouray – 13,961 feet

Mount Ouray has a unique feature called the “Devil’s Armchair,” a large bowl-shaped area that’s great for climbing and skiing.

You can spot Mount Ouray from Highway 50 and Salida, making it a well-known landmark in the area. Near the treeline, you’ll find ancient Bristlecone Pines, some of the oldest living things on Earth.

Despite looking intimidating, you’ll find Mount Ouray is actually a relatively straightforward hike if you’re an experienced climber.

Vestal Peak – 13,870 feet

Vestal Peak’s Wham Ridge is considered one of the best climbing routes in Colorado, offering you a fun challenge if you’re an experienced climber.

The peak is made mostly of quartzite, which provides solid handholds and footholds for your climb. Vestal Peak is part of a group of impressive mountains in the San Juan range, including Arrow Peak and Jagged Mountain.

Pigeon Peak – 13,978 feet

Pigeon Peak rises dramatically from the Animas River, climbing nearly 6,000 feet in less than 2.5 miles. It’s located in a remote area called Ruby Basin, which you can reach by taking a historic train ride.

If you’re hiking in from the nearest town, be prepared for a long journey – it’s about 28 miles round trip. From the top, you’ll get an amazing 360-degree view of the surrounding Needles area.

Pigeon Peak is the 57th highest mountain in Colorado, making it a popular goal for serious peak baggers.

Ice Mountain – 13,958 feet

Ice Mountain is part of a group of three peaks called the Three Apostles in the Sawatch Range.

It’s famous for its Refrigerator Couloir, a route that you should approach with caution due to the risk of falling rocks. As you climb, you’ll notice the mountain is made of purplish rock similar to the Maroon Bells, but it can be loose and unstable.

You’ll also encounter some extremely steep sections, with parts that are almost as steep as a ladder.