Handies Peak

Handies Peak is legendary for offering some of the absolute best, most panoramic views of any Colorado 14er. Because it stands isolated in the heart of the remote San Juan Mountains, the summit offers an unbroken, 360-degree vista of rugged, colorful peaks stretching all the way to the horizon. The approach trail through American Basin is equally spectacular, featuring vibrant summer wildflowers and a stunning alpine lake.

Handies Peak features two walk-up options, allowing you to choose your scenery. The standard American Basin route (Class 1) approaches from the west and is famous for Sloan Lake and flower displays. Alternatively, the Grizzly Gulch route (Class 2) approaches from the east, offering a slightly longer 8-mile round-trip hike that treats hikers to massive basins, lush meadows, a crazy-good sunrise, and excellent solitude away from the main crowds.

Yes, a good-clearance AWD/4WD is required to get to the first, Grizzly Gulch trailhead and a higher-clearance 4WD vehicle is highly recommended to continue up to the American Basin trailhead, for the standard, Class 1 route. If you only have a 2WD or low-clearance vehicle, you should try to carpool with another climber who has a more capable vehicle. Don't try to drive a low-clearance 2WD vehicle to these trailheads.

Yes, Handies is widely considered one of the easiest and most ideal introductory 14ers in Colorado. The standard American Basin route is a non-technical Class 1 walk-up with a highly scenic, well-defined trail. It features a relatively short 5.5-mile round-trip distance and a gentle 2,500-foot elevation gain, making it an excellent option for beginners, families, and out-of-state visitors. But getting to the trailhead is not "easy." The San Juan Mountains are far from Colorado Front Range cities and it's a long drive up dirt roads.