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Sunlight Peak

14,059 ft · #39 highest in Colorado · San Juan Range

Class 4 — exposed scramble17 mi round trip5,800 ft gain
Elevation
14,059′
Difficulty
Class 4
Distance
17 mi
Elev. gain
5,800′
Nearest town
Silverton
County
La Plata
Range
San Juan
Rank
#39

Sunlight Peak is the hardest of the Chicago Basin trio, with a notorious class 4 summit block that requires a difficult mantling move to reach the actual high point.

Standard Route

From Chicago Basin, climb to Sunlight's south slopes via class 3 terrain. The summit block is a short but exposed class 4 move that intimidates many climbers. 17 miles round trip from train, 5,800 feet total.

What to Expect

The summit block is a true class 4 move with exposure on multiple sides. Many climbers tag the rock without the final mantle and count it as a summit. Wear a helmet and don't attempt in wet conditions.

Related Reading

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