La Plata Peak
Mountain Colorado fourteener and one of state's highest peaks
One of Colorado’s fourteeners in the Sawatch Range, reached by established alpine routes; attracts hikers and scramblers for high‑altitude trails and panoramic mountain scenery.
La Plata Peak is a fourteener in the Sawatch Range of central Colorado with an elevation of approximately 14,336 feet (about 4,370 metres).
The mountain is a classic Rocky Mountain alpine peak visited by climbers and hikers aiming for Colorado fourteeners; it presents exposed rock and alpine terrain rather than technical ice routes in normal summer conditions. Approaches typically start from trailheads serving the Sawatch Range and pass through high alpine ridgelines and talus slopes.
La Plata Peak is a natural feature of the Sawatch Range and is one of Colorado’s recognized fourteeners; it forms part of the high, uplifted spine of mountains that characterize central Colorado’s topography. The name La Plata is Spanish for silver and reflects historic naming practices in the region.
The peak sits in the Sawatch Range of central Colorado, within the mountainous interior of the state and in the general area west of the towns of Buena Vista and Twin Lakes.
- High-altitude conditions: Elevations above 4,300 metres mean weather can change rapidly; snow and high winds are common outside a narrow summer window, so high-altitude preparation is essential.
How to Get to La Plata Peak #
Access from Buena Vista or Leadville: drive county roads toward the Cottonwood/Winfield area and park at established trailheads (North Cottonwood or Beaver Creek approaches). Trailhead driving times: 30-60 minutes from Leadville/Salida depending on route.
Tips for Visiting La Plata Peak #
- Start before dawn for a summit by mid-morning - the trail gains elevation quickly and afternoon storms are common in summer.
- Use the standard North Cottonwood/Beaver Creek routes; both are long (12-15 miles round trip) and require good navigation and alpine footwear.
- Altitude matters: acclimatize in Leadville or nearby towns to reduce risk of altitude sickness - La Plata sits above 14,300 ft.
Best Time to Visit La Plata Peak #
Best attempted in summer for hiking; spring requires snow-travel experience and winter is mountaineering only.
Weather & Climate near La Plata Peak #
La Plata Peak's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -18°C to 15°C. Moderate rainfall (812 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -18°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -18°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -18°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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April
April is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm).
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May
May is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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July
July is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with 82 mm of rain.
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September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).
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October
October is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -17°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and breezy conditions.
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