Colorado peaks

5,244 peaks

Highest peak

Mount Elbert

14,440 ft / 4,401 m

Most summited peak

Mount Elbert

327 summits

Most prominent peak

Mount Elbert

9,093 ft / 2,771 m prom

Colorado summits

11,854 summits

First Ascent Awards

1760 of 5,244 peaks 33%

Top climbing months

July 20%

August 18%

September 12%

Colorado mountains highlights

  • In summer months beware of near-daily afternoon thunderstorms up high. Best to start really early and plan to be off the top usually by 12-1pm at the latest.
  • Numerous mountain ranges, such as the Sawatch, Elk, San Juan, Sangre de Cristo, Mosquito, Ten Mile, and Front, contain a diverse collection of mountains worthy of exploration.
  • One of the most famous and popular peak challenges in the world, the Colorado 14ers Peak Challenge, permeates every aspect of Colorado culture
  • The highest peak in Colorado, Mount Elbert 14,440 ft, is the highest in the Rocky Mountains and 2nd highest in the contiguous United States
  • The Rocky Mountains reach their zenith in the heart of Colorado, with over 50 peaks reaching above 14,000 ft high.
"Very windy day. Lost my hat, almost lost my gloves and sunglasses, had to walk at a 20 degree slant at times. Quickly booped the main summit and bailed on an attempt to descend the south ridge. Haze from fires visible to the northeast, clear skies otherwise. Also tried to help two guys bag their first 14er but they turned around due to altitude and weather." — cheeseishappiness • Oct 24, 2020
"Went on a long trek to get a good view of the ongoing Calwoods Fire. I figured Sanitas would be crowded so I tried Anemone first, but the fire was behind the ridge from the top of Anemone (which I should have known), so I went to Sanitas anyway up the less-crowded Lions Head trail. The views were epic and frightening; it sure was a sight I won't forget. Visited the summit rock of Dakota Ridge on the way back because I hadn't been in a while and it wasn't far out of the way." — wazoheat • Oct 17, 2020
"Went on a long trek to get a good view of the ongoing Calwoods Fire. I figured Sanitas would be crowded so I tried Anemone first, but the fire was behind the ridge from the top of Anemone (which I should have known), so I went to Sanitas anyway up the less-crowded Lions Head trail. The views were epic and frightening; it sure was a sight I won't forget. Visited the summit rock of Dakota Ridge on the way back because I hadn't been in a while and it wasn't far out of the way." — wazoheat • Oct 17, 2020
"Went on a long trek to get a good view of the ongoing Calwoods Fire. I figured Sanitas would be crowded so I tried Anemone first, but the fire was behind the ridge from the top of Anemone (which I should have known), so I went to Sanitas anyway up the less-crowded Lions Head trail. The views were epic and frightening; it sure was a sight I won't forget. Visited the summit rock of Dakota Ridge on the way back because I hadn't been in a while and it wasn't far out of the way." — wazoheat • Oct 17, 2020
"4:30 am start from the lower Matterhorn Creek trailhead at 9,700'. Dirt road was just barely doable with 5 inches of clearance. Summitted Wetterhorn at 7:30, Matterhorn at 10:00 and Uncompahgre at 1:00. Got back to the car about 4:30. Wetterhorn crux was more exposed (and fun) than expected and Uncompahgre took forever to get to. Awesome range and can't wait to get there again." — cheeseishappiness • Oct 15, 2020

Popular Colorado mountains