Uncompahgre Peak is the highest in the San Juans and located between Lake City and Ouray. Its one of the most recognizable and distinctive mountains in Colorado.

The trail officially begins at the Nellie Creek Trailhead (more on getting to Nellie Creek below) and begins ascending to a beautiful basin. The trail through here is well defined and from ~12,000 feet, the summit looms large over the trail.

The trail climbs (steeply at times) to Uncompahgre’s south shoulder and face on a well defined trail. As the trail begins to ascend the west face face is the crux of the route. Before you regain the southeast ridge the route goes through some steep/looser rock. For this section, you’ll begin angling up and to the right, towards a large rock tower. You can choose to go up to the ridge just past the tower or slightly steeper option just before it.

Once you regain the ridge, the terrain moderates and the well defined trail is back. From there its a straightforward walk to the summit.

Class: 2. Most the of the trail up Uncompaghre is well defined and easy to follow. However, its class 2 because of the rocky ‘crux’ section described above.

Trailhead/Parking: As noted above, this route begins and the Nellie Creek trailhead. It is a rough and narrow road with high clearance being very important. If you do not have a vehicle with good clearance, there is a 2 wheel drive parking lot lower down.

The stats for the hike are:

Parking at 2 wheel drive lot : ~15.5 miles rt, 5,500 ft elevation gain

Parking at Nellie Creek Trailhead: 7.5 miles rt, 3,000 ft elevation gain