Centennial 13ers

Iron Gates Route Class 2+ Departing from the Longs Peak trailhead, this route breaks off toward Chasm Lake before cutting up a punishingly steep slope of loose rock and scree to a prominent rock notch known as the Iron Gates. From the gates, hikers hop massive blocks along a wide ridge to the summit block.

The Loft Route Class 3 A classic alpine link-up that passes directly between Meeker and Longs Peak. Scramblers ascend a steep, hidden ledge system across massive rock bands to reach "The Loft" saddle, followed by a fun, blocky scramble to Meeker's true apex.

Dragon's Tail Couloir Class 4 Snow A famous, narrow couloir carving directly up Meeker's steep north face. It features sustained 45-to-50-degree snow climbing inside a tight rock corridor, requiring precise crampon work and an early alpine start.

East Ridge Class 2+ Starting from the Pacific Creek trail, the route ascends steep dirt slopes to a high alpine lake before gaining the ridge. The upper section requires fun, blocky scrambling over solid granite towers and loose talus chunks.

West Ridge / Atlantic Peak Combo Class 3 A jagged, highly exposed ridge traverse that physically links Pacific Peak to Atlantic Peak. Scramblers must negotiate sharp rock points, narrow drops, and loose rock bands along the high crest.

Hawaii Couloir Class 3/4 Snow A steep spring snow corridor slicing up the east face. It offers a direct, fast ascent on 45-degree consolidated snow before melting out into loose talus in mid-summer.

North Ridge Difficult Class 2 A steeper, much rougher variation climbing out of McNasser Gulch. It skips the long approach valley in favor of direct, loose talus hopping and light scrambling over minor rock bands on the upper crest.

South Ridge Class 2 A long alpine ridge walk starting from the Grizzly Reservoir. The trail quickly fades into grassy tundra before transitioning into chunky, blocky talus. The climbing requires careful foot placement up a broad, steep slope, finishing with a scenic, sweeping ridge stroll to the high point.

Northeast Couloir Class 3 Snow A highly aesthetic spring snow line that drops straight from the summit ridge. Ascending requires crampons and an ice axe to negotiate a sustained 40-degree snow climb before topping out near the apex.

South Ridge Class 2 Accessing this remote peak involves a long wilderness approach via the Stewart Creek trail. Once above treeline, the path gives way to a wide, gentle, rolling tundra ridge that steepens into blocky volcanic rock near the top.

East Ridge via San Luis Pass Class 2 A wild backpacking approach that links up from the San Luis Pass trail. The route is entirely off-trail, traversing high-altitude alpine meadows and long scree slopes to reach the eastern shoulder.

West Basin Slopes via North Pigeon Creek Class 3 Reached via the remote Needleton train stop. Climbers backpack into Ruby Basin and face a steep, rugged, trackless ascent. The route works up steep grassy ledges before tackling a jumbled maze of massive granite blocks and narrow, hidden rock gullies to reach the jagged summit.

North Ridge Scramble Class 4 An exceptionally exposed, technical line connecting from the Pigeon-Turret saddle. It demands delicate hand-and-foot climbing over sharp granite towers and thin rock steps with immense vertical drops on both sides.

Wham Ridge Class 3 to 5.4 depending on direct line choice One of the most famous visual lines in North America. Climbers approach from the remote Balsam Lake basin to face a massive, sweeping ramp of smooth, dark quartzite slab. The climbing starts as a steep walk and steadily tilts upward into a high-exposure friction scramble. While the steps are clean, the pure vertical scale makes it an intense mental experience.

South Slopes Class 2 The standard escape route and easiest way up. It navigates a tedious, incredibly loose gully of red volcanic scree and talus on the back side of the mountain, avoiding the steep slabs entirely.

North Face Chutes to South Ledges Class 5.2 Rock Widely considered the most remote and technically complex Centennial peak. The route involves a multi-day wilderness trek, followed by a complex maze of steep rock chimneys, loose ledges, and exposed notches on the north side. Ropes, traditional protection, and helmet usage are absolute requirements to navigate the vertical crux blocks.

South Face Crux Route Class 5.4 Rock An even more obscure, highly technical alternative crossing over from the Sunlight Basin side. It scales steep, vertical cracks and blocky rock steps with severe alpine exposure.