Uncompahgre Peak is the 6th highest peak in Colorado at 14,321 feet, the highest peak in the San Juan mountain range, and the highest point where rainfall/snow flows from into the Colorado River and out to the Gulf of California.
After yesterday’s fun ascent of Wetterhorn Peak, we knew that Uncompaghre Peak would be a little bit of ho-hum.
And we were right – the approach trail is long and frankly pretty boring. But, 14er number 39 in the books.
You know it’s a boring peak when I put a hatch green chile cheeseburger (which was uh-maaaazing!) from the Deerhammer Distillery in nearby Buena Vista as the album cover instead of a mountain photo!
There is an alternate hiking route from the Matterhorn Creek trailhead where we started up Wetterhorn Peak, but we opted to make the drive over to the standard route at the Nellie Creek trailhead.
Although the drive is relatively short, it’s extremely rough and takes a while. Half of the time you’re stuck in 4WD low gear, and Greg finally had a valid opportunity to utilize the differential lock on his Jeep.
The reward for suffering up the road is a campsite right below the trailhead, a nice campfire, and a curious young deer who hung out around camp with us.
Sometimes the experience is less about the peak and more about the experience!
Uncompahgre Sunrise
Sunrise lights up the eastern face of Umcompahgre Peak as we head up the approach trail.
Mountain Weather
Plenty of ice on our route up.
Coming up
Greg making his way up behind me.
Flat. Drop.
That’s a very flat, long drop down the north side of Uncompahgre Peak.
The Summit
Greg touching the summit marker of Colorado’s 6th highest peak.
Ruffles Have Ridges
These ridgelines are really amazing stretching out in all directions.
Uncompahgre Peak
The mandatory geodetic marker photo!
Outbound
Once you get off the peak, the trail turns to a lot of mileage without much to do.
Back To The Lowlands
Almost back to the Nellie Creek Trailhead.
Uncompahgre Wilderness
Wilderness sign shot on our way out.
Heart Attack Waiting To Happen
This hatch green chile hamburger at the Deerhammer Distillery is uh-maaaaaaazing!
