Overview
Peak of the Clouds is on the main crest north of Rito Alto Peak, between Rito Alto and Spread Eagle Peak. It starts from a spot high on the Hermit Pass road, near treeline.
You cross a saddle and drop about 600 feet on tundra benches to Megan Lake, then climb a clear rib of rock and tundra past old, twisted bristlecone pines to the Spread Eagle saddle, and walk tundra to the top. It is Class 2.
The round trip is about 4 miles with 2,600 feet of gain. From the summit you can add Spread Eagle (Class 2+) or Rito Alto Peak, a bit over a mile south.
Plan of the day
By 7 a.m.
Be at the saddle by 11 a.m.
Nothing hard.
Easy. The rib from the northeast end of Megan Lake is plain on the map.
Megan Lake and its creek. Filter it.
Getting to the trailhead
Hermit Pass Road
Hermit Road (County Road 160) leaves Colorado 69 heading west just 0.3 mile south of the 69/96 junction in Westcliffe. After 6 miles, stay left at a fork. The road soon gets rough; it needs 4WD with good clearance above about 9,100 feet.
You pass the Rainbow Trail about 2 miles from the fork and the Hermit Lake trail at about 6 miles. The last 3 miles to Hermit Pass are very rough. Below 11,400 feet there are many pull-offs and camp spots, including a great one on the left near 10,960 feet.
Park where the road leaves the trees, near 11,970 feet. This takes high-clearance 4WD.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
Hermit Pass Road. Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →