Uncompahgre Peak Hike
![Uncompahgre Peak Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/US-CO-San-Juan-Mountain-Range-Uncompahgre-Peak-Hike-1709-633.jpg)
Table of contents
The uncompahgre Peak Hike is a challenging and exhilarating excursion in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado that will take you to the summit of the 6th highest peak in the state. While out hiking the trail, you will gradually make your way up through the basin, before the final steep push and light scramble up to the summit for some breathtaking views. Take note that you will need a 4x4 high clearance vehicle in order to reach the trailhead, as the road into the mountains is very rough and rugged.
Route Description for Uncompahgre Peak Hike
Featuring some rough and rugged mountain terrain, the Uncompahgre Peak Hike will require proper hiking footwear and a decent level of physical fitness to complete, as there is a short scramble to the summit. You will also need a 4x4 high clearance vehicle to reach the trailhead, as the road leading into the mountains will be quite difficult to traverse without one.
Although it is difficult to reach, the Uncompahgre Peak Hike is a fantastic adventure that will take you high into the San Juan Mountains for incredible views. In addition to experiencing the beautiful scenery of the mountains, you will also have the sense of achievement at having summited the 6th highest peak in the Rockies, making for a memorable day out on the trails in Colorado.
Setting out from the Nellie Creek Trailhead, you will make your way to the northwest and follow a path running parallel to the creek. Here, you will climb gradually uphill through a mixture of forest and meadow for 1.4 km, before arriving at a junction in the trail.
Taking the path on the left, you will head to the west and continue uphill through the basin, enjoying the sweeping views of the mountainous landscape over the next 2.4 km until you arrive at another junction. Keep right here and follow the path as it loops around to the northwest for the ascent of Uncompahgre Peak.
Here, the route will begin to steepen as you work your way towards the summit, eventually leading you on a brief and rocky scramble up to the top of the peak. Once there, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding San Juan Mountains, including Silver Mountain to the north and Matterhorn Peak to the southwest.
After taking in the stunning views across the Colorado wilderness, you will need to head back along the same trail to return to the trailhead. Exercise caution here, as the gradual slope that you climbed on the way in is far more dangerous on the way down, thanks to loose rock that creates unstable footing. After working your way back down the mountain and through the basin, you will arrive back at the parking area having completed the Uncompahgre Peak Hike.
Trail Highlights
Uncompahgre Peak
Situated in the San Juan Mountain sub-range, Uncompahgre Peak has an elevation of 4,365 m, making it the sixth highest summit in the state of Colorado and the Rocky Mountains. The west, east, and south faces of the mountain are not overly steep; however, the north face features a 213 m cliff. The name Uncompahgre comes from the Ute word meaning ‘dirty water’, likely in reference to nearby hot springs in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Uncompahgre Peak?
Uncompahgre peak has an elevation of 4,361 m above sea level.
What county can Uncompahgre Peak be found in?
Uncompahgre Peak is located in the San Juan Mountains, in Hinsdale County.
Insider Hints for Uncompahgre Peak Hike
- A 4x4 high clearance vehicle is required to make the rugged drive into the trailhead.
- Wear proper hiking boots with good ankle support.
- Watch your footing on the return leg down the mountainside, as the loose rock can be hazardous.
Getting to the Uncompahgre Peak Hike Trailhead
The starting point for the Uncompahgre Peak Hike can be found at the Nellie Creek Trailhead along Forest Service Road 239.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
April-October
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
Uncompahgre Peak Hike Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![Handies Peak from Silver Creek/Grizzly Gulch](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Handies Peak from Silver Creek/Grizzly Gulch
San Juan Mountain Range
![Silvercreek Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Silvercreek Trail
San Juan Mountain Range
![Williams Creek Camp Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
Williams Creek Camp Trail
San Juan Mountain Range
![Thompson Lake Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Thompson Lake Hike
San Juan Mountain Range
![Waterdog Lake Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Waterdog Lake Trail
San Juan Mountain Range
![Wetterhorn Basin via West Fork Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Wetterhorn Basin via West Fork Trail
San Juan Mountain Range
![Cutler Creek Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Cutler Creek Trail
San Juan Mountain Range
![West Fork to Courthouse Mountain Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
West Fork to Courthouse Mountain Hike
San Juan Mountain Range
![Redcloud and Sunshine Peaks Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Redcloud and Sunshine Peaks Hike
San Juan Mountain Range
![American Basin Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
American Basin Trail
San Juan Mountain Range
![Wetterhorn Peak Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Wetterhorn Peak Hike
San Juan Mountain Range
![Handies Peak Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/US-CO-San-Juan-Mountain-Range-Handies-Peak-Hike-1709-633.jpg)
Handies Peak Hike
San Juan Mountain Range