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14,150 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Mount Sneffels
Mount Sneffels is a 14,150 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the South Slopes: 6 mi, 2,900 ft of gain, Class 3.
Mount Sneffels at a glance
- Elevation14,150 ft4,312 m
- RouteSouth SlopesClass 3
- Distance6 mi2,900 ft gain
- Time3 – 5 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the South Slopes
From Ouray or Ridgway, Colorado, take County Road 7 toward Yankee Boy Basin. High clearance 4WD strongly recommended for the rough road to the upper trailhead. The approach from the basin is short but steep. Loose rock in the upper couloir makes helmets advisable. The main couloir can hold snow into July. Blue Lakes trailhead offers an alternative but longer approach. Excellent views from the distinctive summit. Class 3 terrain near the top with some exposure. Popular peak with dramatic scenery. Start early for weather. One of the most photogenic Colorado 14ers.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
Helmet
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Storms
- Slippery terrain
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- Rockfall
- Low visibility
Mount Sneffels on Yak
Climbers have shared 27 climbs of Mount Sneffels on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Mount Sneffels
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Mount Sneffels
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Sneffels?
Mount Sneffels is 14,150 feet (4,312 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Mount Sneffels rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,150 feet, Mount Sneffels is the 30th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to climb Mount Sneffels?
The South Slopes is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 6 miles with 2,900 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Mount Sneffels?
Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the South Slopes, covering 6 miles with 2,900 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Is Mount Sneffels dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a helmet for Mount Sneffels?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the South Slopes, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on Mount Sneffels?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Sneffels reaches 14,150 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start climbing Mount Sneffels?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.
When is the best time to climb Mount Sneffels?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Mount Sneffels?
The South Slopes starts at about 11,340 feet, roughly 2,810 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Mount Sneffels?
The standard route is the South Slopes. Other routes include the Southwest Ridge.
Climb Mount Sneffels with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list