With an elevation of 14,058 feet, Handies Peak is one of the Colorado 14,000ers. You can access the summit either from the American Basin, passing beautiful Sloan Lake or via Grizzly Gulch from Cinnamon Pass Road on the other side of the mountain. The view from the top is spectacular! Keep in mind, that the weather can change quickly and expect thunderstorms especially during the summer months. So start your hike early and descent in the early afternoon at the latest.

Zachary

November 25, 2023

Running

The trail up to Handies is relatively easy, making this a popular 14'er for beginners. That said, running up is still quite the challenge! The weather can change quickly and you don't want to be caught in a thunderstorm above treeline, so it is best to run up early in the morning and keep an eye on the weather.

Vero

September 1, 2025

Hiking

4x4 hc necessary to upper TH.
Great hike, amazing views

Routes here

Best routes to Handies Peak

hikers

1. Handies Peak via American Basin Trail — Hinsdale County

12.7km

05:17

1,080m

Alpine wildflower meadows lead to pristine Sloan Lake beneath towering Colorado peaks.

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Hard

hikers

2. American Basin – Sloan Lake loop from Ouray

8.73km

03:31

690m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

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3. Sloan Lake – American Basin loop from Silver Creek Trailhead

18.1km

06:36

1,070m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

Details

Informations

Elevation 4,250 m

Weather

Today

Monday 16 February

1°C

-7°C

54 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 29.0 km/h

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Location: Hinsdale County, Colorado, United States

Other Popular Places to Check Out

American Basin Trailhead/Handies Peak

Box Canyon Falls and Bridge

Sloan Lake

Grouse Gulch Trailhead

Lake Fork Gunnison River & campsite

Rio Grande Headwaters

Silverton

Engineer Mountain

View of Animas Forks

Minnie Gulch Trailhead & Esmeralda Mine

Grizzly Gulch/Silver Creek Trailhead

Handies Peak

1. Handies Peak via American Basin Trail — Hinsdale County

2. American Basin – Sloan Lake loop from Ouray

3. Sloan Lake – American Basin loop from Silver Creek Trailhead

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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