Hike: Uncompahgre Peak from the Nellie Creek Trailhead Date: July 12, 2014 Weather: Warm (50's and 60's maybe), nice all morning, but could hear thunder on our way back down Round Trip Distance: 7.25 from main trail head, 15.25 from the 2WD road (we did about 8.5 with the extra mile before hitching a ride up the 4WD road) Summit Elevation: 14,309' Uncompahgre Peak is the sixth highest summit of the Rocky Mountains of North America and the U.S. state of Colorado. Pack a lunch and breakfast snacks, and lots of water, jacket. Uncompahgre Peak It's a fairly easy hike from the 4wd trailhead, but very scenic. Take a good, high cleaance 4WD vehicle! It is a spectacular sight high above Lake City, Colorado. Cross Nellie Creek at 1.8 miles. much higher than anything in the eastern U.S. That way the forest service will know if they need to send out a search party. Please submit any useful information about climbing Uncompahgre Peak that may be useful to other climbers. July, 2005: Taken during a hike on Uncompahgre. You'll know when you get there, big clearing area for parking..Road ends. This is a difficult one way trail to Uncompahgre Peak in Uncompahgre National Forest. I was 6 days into a 2 week car camping and day hiking exploration of the mountains in the San Juan and Uncompahgre National Forests. The most popular route to the summit is via the Uncompahgre Peak Trail at the end of the Nellie Creek Road, and is the route described here. Uncompahgre is a boring mountain with a very small portion of class 2 scrambling. If you don't have much high-elevation, winter climbing experience, be careful in your planning and take a partner. Tons of mountain goats when I was there. Sign in & out at the sign in spot at the beginning of the trail. Hiking trip report, map, and photos for Coxcomb Peak, located in Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado. Recommended Route Nellie Creek Route—use of this route will help to reduce impacts to this Fourteener’s fragile alpine environment. There were lots of people on the trail so I felt safer knowing we weren't alone out there. We rent a jeep the day before, and get up before the sun rises, for this trip. Head west until you reach the Colorado... Mountain Conditions. Doggies loved the creek. Hiking trip report, map, and photos for Wetterhorn and Uncompahgre Peaks, located in Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado. At 14,321 feet, it’s the 6 th highest summit in the Rocky Mountains and the highest in the San Juan Range. I had worked six days in a row and felt fairly tired and worn out. Has a broad summit plateau, rising about 1,500 feet above the broad surrounding alpine basins. A great view over El Paso Creek. .at this point, due to altitude, it's all I can do to put one foot in front of the other - it seems like MILES to the summit. Read about the trail and download the FREE route guide. Trail on Nellie Creek in Uncompahgre National Forest, Uncompahgre Wilderness. Today would be that occasion. I was 6 days into a 2 week car camping and day hiking exploration of the mountains in the San Juan and Uncompahgre … The Wilderness has over 100,000 acres with more than 100 miles of trails and many more trails nearby outside the wilderness boundary. Overview: Uncompahgre Peak, at 14,309 feet, is the sixth highest of Colorado's "Fourteeners". July 14, 2014. Its distinct shape and easy standard route attracts many summit seekers. Private Tour to Pikes Peak Garden of Gods. Uncompahgre Peak is the 6th highest peak in Colorado and is the highest peak of the San Juan Mountains. Uncompahgre peak is the highest Colorado 14er in the San Juan Range. 5. Do highly recommend for a rest day or an easy day hike. You don't want to get stranded on that road! From Denver, take 285 south until you reach Poncha Springs. Trail Summary: Uncompahgre Peak & Wetterhorn Peak are a pair of remote 14ers located in the San Juans of southern Colorado. Ranger Districts. 7.5 miles RT with ~3000ft of gain makes this a. great run or hike: https://www.strava.com/activities/342692231. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The uniquely shaped summit block of Uncompahgre Peak (14,309-ft.) is a well know landmark in the San Juan Mountains. Uncompahgre Summit Markers to commemorate your hike! hahah. We hiked on September 2nd, starting the hike at 6:45 a.m. and completing it at 1:45 p.m. My 8 y/o daughter also hiked to the top! Diane hikes ahead of me with Uncompahgre Peak looming above. Have FUN! Leave early. Uncompahgre Peak The slope is pretty mellow all the way through the valley. The uniquely shaped summit block of Uncompahgre Peak (14,309-ft.) is a well know landmark in the San Juan Mountains. LONG hike, but considered quite easy for a "Fourteener". I do remember the cliffy plateau nature of the summit area and the precipitous drops off the north side. Uncompahgre Peak is also the highest peak on... Getting There. It will be a 7.5-mile hike with 3000 feet elevation gain. 8. Has a broad summit plateau, rising about 1,500 feet above the broad surrounding alpine basins. Fortunately the sometimes-ominous-looking clouds never made it to storm/lightning stage. A week prior I had concluded a hike up to the flank of Uncompahgre Peak before snow induced slickness convinced me to make the summit on another occasion. The views at the top are amazing as you can see most of the San Juans and surrounding 14ers. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Tons of mountain goats when I was there. We were staying in town, & it took almost a full hour to get from our lodge to the trailhead. Uncompahgre Peak is one of the most distinctively shaped peaks in Colorado. At the summit, there is a container like you see in the vacuum tubes in banks, and inside there is a visitor's list where you can sign your name and date. Descend the south ridge to elevation 13,440 feet. It is a spectacular sight high above Lake City, Colorado. I've also hiked many places in the Smoky Mountains, and overall the Rockies in Colorado are much higher and more impressive! Ashley 1 year, 3 months ago Uncompahgre 7/29. Mick’s Trip: Uncompahgre Peak & Wetterhorn Peak. The San Juan range rises over 7,400 feet above it's base to the north, and despite what the previous poster said it is much higher than anything in the eastern U.S. Tons of mountain goats when I was there. The Uncompahgre Wilderness was one of these destinations. This is a 11.8 mile out-and-back hike with 4100 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 9-12 hours to complete. Buy an Uncompaghre T-shirt in town and have the date stamped on it. Ascend a hill to reach a trail junction near 11,950' and continue west into the large basin, south of Uncompahgre - 3 and 4. My son is trying to hike one 14er per year since age 8, so we had to get out and hike this one--and did it one day before his 11th birthday! No, no one has ever fallen off or been killed up there. I asked. 6. Uncompahgre Peak is the 6th highest mountain in Colorado. This is a 17.2 mile out-and-back hike with 6300 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 8-11 hours to complete. Tips: 1. It is located in the Uncompahgre Wilderness in the northern San Juans, in northern Hinsdale County approximately 7 miles (11 km) west of the town of Lake City. Leave the trail and walk north to the east ridge of Uncompahgre. Descend the south ridge to elevation 13,440 feet. The highest rise of a mountain in the Appalachians is 5,300 ft. over a 7 mile distance … Hiking to the summit is well worth the effort. My friend who I hadn't seen in at least 10 years is an experienced hiker who frequently hikes in … Hiking alone and summiting my first mountain - Uncompahgre Peak on June 16, 2020. Rick, Dan, and I finished the hike to Uncompahgre Peak where we enjoyed ourselves for over an hour. It has the most amazing summit drop off of all the 14ers in Colorado. codytmyers 1 year, 2 months ago Uncompahgre peak. All 14er routes are more difficult and more dangerous in winter. Uncompahgre Peak is a favorite for trail runners stopping through Lake City. At 2.3 miles, stay left at a junction. See also: List of mountains of Colorado and List of mountain ranges of Colorado. From a distance the peak looks like a formidable climb but the ascent up the mountain’s south ridge is quite doable for … This is a 11.8 mile out-and-back hike with 4100 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 9-12 hours to complete. While Wetterhorn Peak is an easy scramble with mostly solid rock, many hikers will bring along a helmet for the final couple hundred feet. Route: From the Nellie Creek Trailhead bear west on the Uncompahgre Peak Trail to the south ridge. Four couples (and one son) from Redemption Hill Church traveled to Lake City, Colorado this past weekend to hike 14,309 ft. Uncompahgre Peak. We had no cell phone coverage for calls, but could occasionally text. Uncompahgre Peak, is Colorado's 6th highest 14er at an elevation of *14,321 ft (4,365 m), and located in the San Juan Mountains of the beautiful Rocky Mountains. July 14, 2014. I saw about 20 people on the way down so very light traffic. We drive while it's still dark, up the Henson Creek Road to the Nellie Creek Road turnoff on the right, and then drive a few VERY ROUGH miles to the trailhead. You will be climbing up rocks as well as walking over some rocky areas of the trail. Get Here. It's 4 miles up the rough Nellie Creek road to reach the trailhead. Rocky Mountain Region 7. Consider things such as access and accommodation at the base of Uncompahgre Peak, as well as the logistics of climbing to the summit. Getting There. If you're acclimated, it's easy. Uncompahgre Peak is the highest peak in Colorado's San Juan mountain range and the 6th highest peak in Colorado. (WINTER) HOLD ON! It has the most amazing summit drop off of all the 14ers in Colorado. Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Are the prices for this place or activity, Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Is this a place or activity you would go to on a, I drove to the trailhead on a weekday and was the first up. Please choose a different date. Uncompahgre Peak is among the most distinctively shaped 14ers in Colorado. The prominent 14,321-foot (4365.0 m) fourteener is the highest summit of the San Juan Mountains and the highest point in the drainage basin of the Colorado River and the Gulf of California. ... First 14’er for me and wow what a great hike. Uncompahgre Peak. Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest 2250 South Main St Delta, Colorado 81416 (970) 874-6600. At 2.7 miles, cross the creek a second time. The hike down is much much faster, but still tiring. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. Uncompahgre Peak is the giant of the San Juan mountains! Near 11,800', pass some large boulders as you parallel the stream - 2. If you don't have a high-clearance 4WD vehicle, park on the Henson Creek road and start here. Several parties began to arrive as we enjoyed the sun and took in the views. Traverse east to a pass at elevation 12,380 feet and then climb Nellie Point. Several parties began to arrive as we enjoyed the sun and took in the views. Eventually you start zigzagging up and have occasional opportunities to peer off an astounding dropoff. NOTE: While this hike can easily be done with Uncompahgre Peak first, it is recommended to summit Wetterhorn Peak and then consider Uncompahgre, as Wetterhorn is closer to the trailhead and increases the chance of bagging at least one summit. Anchored by its namesake peak, 14,309 foot Uncompahgre Peak, the wilderness is comprised of endless jagged peaks and sprawling, high alpine tundra. You'll pass cutoffs to other trails to other nearby peaks, too. Hike along a stream on clear trail, mostly singletrack but in some parts a rocky dirt road. Colorado is a hiker's paradise, and the Colorado Trail will let you enjoy all its beauty to the fullest. Northeast of Ouray is the 99,000-acre Uncompaghre Wilderness, home to two 14ers, Wetterhorn Peak (14,015-ft.) and Uncompahgre Peak (14,309-ft.) along with numerous peaks over 13,000-ft. Ouray Hiking … Be the first to submit your climbing note! No special equipment required to climb it, but it's still quite scary to me. but finally .the trail ..just.. ENDS... at a sloping cliff face. I climbed Uncompahgre in 1997 and always remembered it fondly as a fine scenic hike through flower-strewn meadows to the highest point in the San Juan Mountains. I'm sorry I'm vague about distances here. It is a long-distance trail stretching for 782 km (486 miles) from Waterton Canyon southwest of Denver to Durango. Most of the trail lies above 3,000 m or 10,000 feet. A friend and I arrived late on Friday night and found a decent spot to camp on a short side road away from the main road along Nellie Creek. The Nellie Creek 4WD road is rough and narrow and in early summer the stream crossings can be a bit tricky. Uncompahgre Peak is the giant of the San Juan mountains! Definitely one of the best Colorado 14er hikes! Not being accustomed to the altitudes, it's all we can do to hike it in one day. After setting up camp near treeline along Matterhorn Creek, and relaxing and having dinner, we then set out to hike up Matterhorn Peak … Take & use sunscreen. It is a straightforward hike that is best done in late summer. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature … though. I hiked Uncompahgre Peak & Wetterhorn Peak from Matterhorn Creek TH in late September 2017. I … I was just meandering and was up and back Uncompahgre peak my Uncompahgre peak in right at 4 hours. Uncompahgre Peak is a spectacular mountian and the tallest in the San Juans. The most popular route to the summit is via the Uncompahgre Peak Trail at the end of the Nellie Creek Road, and is the route described here. From a distance the peak looks like a formidable climb but the ascent up the mountain’s south ridge is quite doable for hikers that are well acclimated and reasonably fit. I love the view of Unnamed 13158 from the trail, especially with the virga in the distance. There are lots of photo opportunities! more, Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around Colorado. The uniquely shaped summit block of Uncompahgre Peak (14,309-ft.) is a well know landmark in the San Juan Mountains. Uncompahgre Peak is the destination. Uncompahgre Peak Climbing Notes. Uncompahgre Peak Overview. Don't forget your camera! With a fairly flat, long, and scenic approach, this mountain offers excellent trails before a grueling couple miles up switchbacks to its summit. Wear good hiking boots. Getting to the TH requires a high clearance vehicle, or you can start from CR20 and double the distance. We've hiked this several different years, .. One year we were turned back by a snowstorm that blew up ..(mid-September). The San Juan range rises over 7,400 feet above it's base to the north, and despite what the previous poster said it is much higher than anything in the eastern U.S. The San Juan range rises over 7,400 feet above it's base to the north, and despite what the previous poster said it is. He assured me there was a trail to the peak which tops out at 13144 ft. This is a great hike in the early fall/later summer when snow begins to fall or in the summer during wildflower season. You can see Coxcomb Peak on the distant left/center (it's the boxy one). Uncompahgre Peak is a great choice for beginners! 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