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Mountaineers hike to Handies peak with winter snow covering the peaks

Climb Handies Peak in the San Juans

Climb Handies Peak in the San Juans

A scenic San Juan 14er near Lake City

A scenic San Juan 14er near Lake City

Climb Handies Peak in the San Juans

A scenic San Juan 14er near Lake City

Handies Peak is one of Colorado’s most scenic and approachable 14ers, rising above the high basins near Lake City. This guided climb is ideal for first-time 14er climbers, families with strong hikers, or anyone looking for a beautiful San Juan summit with professional support.

Handies Peak is one of Colorado’s most scenic and approachable 14ers, rising above the high basins near Lake City. This guided climb is ideal for first-time 14er climbers, families with strong hikers, or anyone looking for a beautiful San Juan summit with professional support.

Quick Facts

Location:

Lake City

Lake City

Lake City

Prime Season:

Summer-Fall

Summer-Fall

Duration:

6-8 hrs

6-8 hrs

Itinerary Type:

Private

Private

Skill Level:

Moderate

Moderate

Price:

From $386

From $386

Is Handies Peak good for beginners?

Yes. Handies is one of the better 14ers for a first guided summit, though you should still be prepared for altitude, weather, and several hours of uphill hiking.

Which trailhead do you use?

It depends on vehicles and road conditions. American Basin is shorter but requires a high clearance 4WD vehicle, while Grizzly Gulch is easier to reach and adds distance.

How fit do I need to be?

You should be comfortable hiking for most of a day and gaining elevation at a steady pace. Your guide will help manage speed and breaks.

When is the best season?

Summer and early fall usually provide the most straightforward conditions, while snow turns the route into a more serious mountaineering objective.

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

FAQ

Inclusions

Handies Peak (14,048 feet) is one of the most scenic and approachable 14ers in the San Juan Mountains. Rising above Lake City, the peak offers wildflower filled basins in summer and summit views across some of the most rugged terrain in Colorado.

The shortest route climbs from American Basin, a high trailhead reached by a rough 4WD road, while the Grizzly Gulch route starts lower and adds more mileage and elevation. Both are non technical hikes, but altitude and fast changing summer weather still make it a real mountain day.

Handies is a great first guided 14er and an ideal place to learn pacing, layering, and weather timing before longer objectives like Sunshine and Redcloud. Our Intro to 14er Climbing class often uses peaks like Handies to teach these skills.

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

FAQ

Inclusions

Handies Peak (14,048 feet) is one of the most scenic and approachable 14ers in the San Juan Mountains. Rising above Lake City, the peak offers wildflower filled basins in summer and summit views across some of the most rugged terrain in Colorado.

The shortest route climbs from American Basin, a high trailhead reached by a rough 4WD road, while the Grizzly Gulch route starts lower and adds more mileage and elevation. Both are non technical hikes, but altitude and fast changing summer weather still make it a real mountain day.

Handies is a great first guided 14er and an ideal place to learn pacing, layering, and weather timing before longer objectives like Sunshine and Redcloud. Our Intro to 14er Climbing class often uses peaks like Handies to teach these skills.

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

FAQ

Includes

Handies Peak (14,048 feet) is one of the most scenic and approachable 14ers in the San Juan Mountains. Rising above Lake City, the peak offers wildflower filled basins in summer and summit views across some of the most rugged terrain in Colorado.

The shortest route climbs from American Basin, a high trailhead reached by a rough 4WD road, while the Grizzly Gulch route starts lower and adds more mileage and elevation. Both are non technical hikes, but altitude and fast changing summer weather still make it a real mountain day.

Handies is a great first guided 14er and an ideal place to learn pacing, layering, and weather timing before longer objectives like Sunshine and Redcloud. Our Intro to 14er Climbing class often uses peaks like Handies to teach these skills.

Still thinking about your next great climb?

Colorado is a big state with a lot of different climbs. Feel free to use our contact form. We're happy to be your resource for deciding what might be the most convenient climb for your skills and location.

Still thinking about your next great climb?

Colorado is a big state with a lot of different climbs. Feel free to use our contact form. We're happy to be your resource for deciding what might be the most convenient climb for your skills and location.

Still thinking about your next great climb?

Colorado is a big state with a lot of different climbs. Feel free to use our contact form. We're happy to be your resource for deciding what might be the most convenient climb for your skills and location.

Nearby Climbing Locations

Below are some recommended climbing locations within the vicinity if you're interested in some alternative destinations. Colorado is home to many climbing areas and we want to help you find the one that is best for you!

Ice climber focuses on swinging their ice tool in the Lake City Ice Park

Intermountain

From $279

Half, Regular, Full, Extreme, Multi-Day

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Ice climber focuses on swinging their ice tool in the Lake City Ice Park

Intermountain

From $279

Half, Regular, Full, Extreme, Multi-Day

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Ice climber focuses on swinging their ice tool in the Lake City Ice Park

Intermountain

From $279

Half, Regular, Full, Extreme, Multi-Day

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Mountaineer in the San Juans plunges their ice ax on a long snowfield during a guided trip

Various

From $279

Half, Regular, Full, Extreme, Multi-Day

Easy-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Mountaineer in the San Juans plunges their ice ax on a long snowfield during a guided trip

Various

From $279

Half, Regular, Full, Extreme, Multi-Day

Easy-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Mountaineer in the San Juans plunges their ice ax on a long snowfield during a guided trip

Various

From $279

Half, Regular, Full, Extreme, Multi-Day

Easy-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber in yellow looks down at their feet while climbing in the Lake City Ice Park

Lake City

From $296

Half, Regular, Full

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber in yellow looks down at their feet while climbing in the Lake City Ice Park

Lake City

From $296

Half, Regular, Full

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber in yellow looks down at their feet while climbing in the Lake City Ice Park

Lake City

From $296

Half, Regular, Full

Easy-Difficult

Rock

Rock

Rock

Common Climbing Course Options

Some climbing areas are better suited for certain types of climbing classes than others. Below are a few of the classes we commonly do here if you are interested in learning to climb. While we can always figure out ways to make something work these climbing courses work well in this area.

Guide demonstrates to students how to belay

Various

From $279

4-8 hrs

Easy

Rock

Rock

Rock

Guide demonstrates to students how to belay

Various

From $279

4-8 hrs

Easy

Rock

Rock

Rock

Guide demonstrates to students how to belay

Various

From $279

4-8 hrs

Easy

Rock

Rock

Rock

Belayer fixes the rope while a leader places a cam during learn to lead trad course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Belayer fixes the rope while a leader places a cam during learn to lead trad course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Belayer fixes the rope while a leader places a cam during learn to lead trad course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber squats awkwardly in aiders during aid climbing course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber squats awkwardly in aiders during aid climbing course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber squats awkwardly in aiders during aid climbing course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

6435 Garlock Way

Colorado Springs, CO

80918

596 S. Carr St.

Denver, CO

80226

Let's Socialize!

National Park Concessionaire
Bureau of Land Management Authorization
National Forest Authorization
Colorado State Parks Permittee

The Colorado Climbing Company is an equal opportunity provider and employer operating under a special use permit in Pike San Isabel & Baker-Snoqualmie National Forests, Gunnison and Royal Gorge Bureau of Land Management, commercial use authorization for Rocky Mountain, North Cascades, Denali, Black Canyon National Parks and Colorado National Monument, and special use authorizations for Eldorado and Castlewood Canyon State Parks.

Copyright ©  Since 2010 The Colorado Climbing Company TM, All rights reserved. The Colorado Climbing Company offers guided rock climbing, ice climbing, mountain climbing, and climbing instruction with professional climbing guides. For climbing reservations call: 719-209-6649 or e-mail info@coclimbing.com

6435 Garlock Way

C/S, CO

80918

596 S. Carr St.

Denver, CO

80226

Let's Socialize!

Climb with us!

National Park Concessionaire
Bureau of Land Management Authorization
National Forest Authorization
Colorado State Parks Permittee

Copyright ©  Since 2010 The Colorado Climbing Company TM, All rights reserved.

Copyright © Since 2010 The Colorado Climbing Company TM, All rights reserved.