Grizzly Peak D 13er Hike Information & Review

Grizzly Peak D 13er Hike Trail Guide

April 14, 2020 The Virtual Sherpa Comments 0 Comment

Grizzly Peak D is a class 2 13er located off of Loveland Pass in central Colorado. This hike is relatively short, but packs a punch with its 3,000ft of elevation. Whether you are looking for an option in the summer or winter, this peak is a great option for an intermediate hiker. Although not recommended for all, Grizzly Peak D is dog friendly as well. There are multiple Grizzy Peaks in Colorado, but this is the most common one to hike, especially during the winter months.

Grizzly Peak D Quick Facts

Virtual Trail Guide: Grizzly Peak D

Grizzly Peak D Hike Rating: ★★ (⅖ Stars)

Distance: 6.5 Miles RT

Elevation Start: 11,990ft

Highest Point: 13,427ft

Total Elevation Gain: 3,000ft

Estimated Time to Complete: 2-3 Hours RT

Difficulty: Moderate Difficulty System Explained

Class: Class 2 What does this mean?

Season: Year Round – Expect snow November to June

Check the Weather Forecast

Directions to Grizzly Peak D

Trailhead: Loveland Pass

Getting Here: From I70: Take exit 216 to exit I70 and follow signs for Loveland Pass. Continue about 4 miles to reach the summit and the handful of parking areas.

From Dillon/Silverthorn: From downtown Dillon or Silverthorne, navigate towards Loveland Pass on US Rt 6. Continue past Keystone Resort and Arapahoe Basin Ski Area to reach the top of the pass.

You can enter Loveland Pass into your favorite navigational device:

Fees: There is no fee to park on Loveland Pass or tackle this hike.

Parking: Parking for Grizzly Peak D on Loveland Pass can be hit or miss. The best spot to park would be on the top of the pass. This area can fit about 20-25 cars

Summary

Camping: Camping near Loveland Pass or for this hike in general is not really an option. There are no designated campgrounds anywhere near the TH.

Dogs: Grizzly Peak D is dog friendly year round, but please keep your dog on a leash and pick up after your dog. If you do plan on hiking this mountain during the winter, be sure to understand that this hike is heavily exposed to weather and has a number of cornices that your dog should avoid. Please pick-up after your dog while hiking in the area.

Make it a Loop: Grizzly Peak D is an out and back hike with options to extend your trip to Mt Sniktau or neighboring Grays and Torreys Peak. Once you are up on the ridge from Loveland Pass, the number of options in terms of extra hiking is fairly limitless.

Trail X Factors: Wind & Cornices

The two biggest things to be concerned about while hiking Grizzly Peak D are wind and cornices. Loveland Pass is known to be extremely windy even when high winds are not predicted. Check the forecast carefully, be prepared with wind resistant layers and plenty of warm clothing. To help protect your eyes, a pair of googles is sometimes helpful as well.

A more predictable portion of the hike up Grizzly Peak D is dealing with the cornices. While unpredictable in nature, they usually form in the same spots (on the eastern portion of the ridge) and are typically fairly easy to safely avoid. After summiting Cupid Peak, be very wary of crossing any sections of snow and be sure to scout out your line to the summit to avoid all cornices. Avoiding travel under or on top of any cornice is always highly advised. The cornices on this hike will typically start forming in November and can last until June but are typically not an issue whatsoever for summer hikes.

Hike Tip(s): Unless you have a real hankering for standing exactly on top of a 13er, you can avoid truly summiting Cupid Peak on your way over to Grizzly. The views from the top are nothing special and it will save yourself some extra elevation gain. In addition, once you are on the south side of Cupid Peak, you will be able to have a great view of your remaining route up to Grizzly Peak D. Although the terrain looks very steep, it really is just a standard class 2 approach. However, this is a good spot to evaluate the conditions to see if you feel prepared for the rest of the journey.

When hiking Grizzly Peak D, be sure to keep an eye on any incoming weather. If you are caught in a storm, there are absolutely ZERO places to shelter and you will be heavily exposed to any inclement weather.

Best Views: The hike to Grizzly Peak D does not disappoint for views. Literally from the second you step out of your car to the time you summit Grizzly Peak you are surrounded by fantastic views. Pick a spot and take a great picture.

Grizzly Peak D Hike Route

Gear Needed

Mickey’s Mountain Kit
Backpack – this has been my go to
Comfortable Hiking Boots – These are the ones that I use.
Map of area or GPS – I use the Garmin inReach
Microspikes in winter
Protection from the sun, lots of exposed hiking. I used these Flux Sunglasses on this hike.
Optional: Snowshoes in winter – usually not necessary
Optional: Gaiters (in winter)
Optional: Hiking Poles
Optional: Goggles – helpful on very windy days
Optional:Camera and Lens
Optional: GoPro, Joby Tripod
*Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you.

Our Trip to Grizzly Peak D: March 2020

COVID-19 was taking over the state of Colorado in March 2020, so Rick and I used our social distancing time to head up to Grizzly Peak D. Even with low winds in the forecast, it was extremely windy up on the pass making for a mentally tough day and one were every single wind block was very appreciated. Check out some pictures from our hike below and watch the recap of the hike linked as well!