Mountain Project Logo
To save paper & ink, use the [Hide] controls next to photos and comments so you only print what you need.

Dallas Peak

Colorado > Alpine Rock > San Juans > Northern San Juans (S…

Description

Dallas Peak 13,809 feet

Dallas Peak is a Colorado Centennial Peak; in fact it is ranked as #100 by most lists. It has often been described as the hardest high mountain in Colorado, largely due to an imposing summit block that requires technical climbing. It has also been described as the longest approach hike to a 100 foot rock climb in the state. The large summit block has several routes to the top; all are 5th class and even the most experienced climbers will want a belay due to the looseness of the rock. Route finding difficulties, weather, technical pitches and altitude make Dallas a serious undertaking.

Getting There

Dallas is northwest of Telluride near Mount Sneffels. Travelling into Telluride on Colorado 145, keep a sharp eye out for the Mill Creek Road to the left (north). This road is approximatley 1.2 miles outside of town. Drive up the Mill Creek Road (passable with passenger cars) to the gate of the Telluride water supply. Camping is allowed here but keep it low key and do not trespass into the water department property. The Deep Creek trail is north of the road and well signed.

Routes from Left to Right

5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b R
 2
Chossinator
Trad, Alpine 4 pitches
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 3
Rappel Route Dihedral
Trad, Alpine
5.3 3+ 10 III 9 VD 3a
 29
East Face/Dallas Peak
Trad, Alpine
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b AI3
 3
South Face Couloir
Trad, Ice, Alpine 5 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Chossinator
 2
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b R Trad, Alpine 4 pitches
Rappel Route Dihedral
 3
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad, Alpine
East Face/Dallas Peak
 29
5.3 3+ 10 III 9 VD 3a Trad, Alpine
South Face Couloir
 3
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b AI3 Trad, Ice, Alpine 5 pitches

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Looking west from the summit. Notice the imposing wall on the far back right, which is the west side of the large notch between Dallas and West Dallas Peak.  This may fully impede a traverse of the ridgeline.
[Hide Photo] Looking west from the summit. Notice the imposing wall on the far back right, which is the west side of the large notch between Dallas and West Dallas Peak. This may fully impede a traverse of the…
Dallas Peak at sunset, December, 2012.
[Hide Photo] Dallas Peak at sunset, December, 2012.
Winter ascent, anyone?  Taken December, 2012.
[Hide Photo] Winter ascent, anyone? Taken December, 2012.
South Face of Dallas Peak's summit block.
[Hide Photo] South Face of Dallas Peak's summit block.
Dallas Peak from Sneffels Highline Trail.
[Hide Photo] Dallas Peak from Sneffels Highline Trail.
Maggy launching off the big drop.
[Hide Photo] Maggy launching off the big drop.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Stiles
the Mountains
[Hide Comment] Is it possible to traverse across the summit of Dallas east to west, or vice versa? Anybody done that? Nov 20, 2013
George Bell
Boulder, CO
[Hide Comment] I tried to climb it via the west ridge once and encountered some of the loosest rock I had ever seen. Giant stacks of dinner plates ready to plummet at the slightest touch. Aug 20, 2014