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- Uncompahgre Peak
14,321 ft · San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Uncompahgre Peak
Uncompahgre Peak is a 14,321 ft peak in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the South Ridge: 7 mi, 3,000 ft of gain, Class 2.
Uncompahgre Peak at a glance
- Elevation14,321 ft4,365 m
- RouteSouth RidgeClass 2
- Distance7 mi3,000 ft gain
- Time5 – 8 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSan Juan MountainsColorado
Climbing the South Ridge
From Lake City, Colorado, take Henson Creek Road south and turn onto Nellie Creek Road (high clearance needed for the upper road). The standard south ridge route is Class 2 with good trail conditions. This is the highest peak in the San Juan Mountains and offers commanding views of the surrounding wilderness. Remote feel despite reasonable access. Start early for afternoon weather as storms develop quickly. Popular destination during wildflower season in July. One of the more moderate San Juan 14ers. The unique summit block is distinctive.
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
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Storms
- Remote location
- High winds
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Low visibility
Uncompahgre Peak on Yak
Climbers have shared 12 climbs of Uncompahgre Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Uncompahgre Peak
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Uncompahgre Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Uncompahgre Peak?
Uncompahgre Peak is 14,321 feet (4,365 m) tall. It is in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
How does Uncompahgre Peak rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,321 feet, Uncompahgre Peak is the 6th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Uncompahgre Peak?
The South Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 7 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Uncompahgre Peak?
Most people take 5 – 8 hours round trip on the South Ridge, covering 7 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Uncompahgre Peak?
The South Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 7 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Uncompahgre Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Uncompahgre Peak reaches 14,321 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 hiking Uncompahgre Peak?
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 hike Uncompahgre Peak?
The usual hiking 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 Uncompahgre Peak?
The South Ridge starts at about 11,430 feet, roughly 2,891 feet below the summit.
Climb Uncompahgre Peak 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