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In September, Mt. Sneffel’s snow-dusted, mile-high escarpment provides a shadowy backdrop for aspen-colored hills and golden pastures lined by split-rail fences. Compressed by a telephoto lens, this chamber-of-commerce image screams “High Country Heaven.” This Colorado 14er in the San Juan Mountains stands at 14,158 feet, offering technical hiking with stunning views. Choose from two different routes to reach the summit—a short, steep scramble from Yankee Boy Basin or a more meandering path through the Blue Lakes. Here’s a quick overview of both routes to hike Mount Sneffels.
Route #1: Yankee Boy Basin to the Mount Sneffels Summit
- Distance: 4.8-mile out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 2,775 feet
- Difficulty: Very Challenging
The 4.8-mile out-and-back route from Yankee Boy Basin climbs steep, boulder-covered slopes and an often snow-filled couloir to the summit, which overlooks turquoise mountain lakes. In July, the meadows near the trailhead host some of the lushest wildflower gardens in existence. The march up the mountain isn’t as good as its views, but it only takes a couple of hours. A short but spirit-sapping scree slog gains Lavender Col at 13,500 feet, where a couloir jammed with teetering talus—or snow in early summer—shoots toward the summit. Stick to the biggest blocks to minimize erosion. At the summit, your legs may be sore from the talus-hopping, but your soul will be refreshed by the crenellated ridges radiating from the striking pyramid that is Mt. Sneffels. You do not need a permit to hike this route.
Route #2: Blue Lakes to the Mount Sneffels Summit
- Distance: 13-mile out-and-back
- Elevation Gain: 5,000+ feet
- Difficulty: Challenging
The Blue Lakes Trail route winds through an alpine basin. You’ll pass three lakes nestled among the wildflower meadows and surrounded by the cliffs and sharp summits of the San Juan mountains. You can make this 13-mile out-and-back an overnight with a stop at the campsites beside Lower Blue Lake. Taking two days for this one splits the elevation gain—over 5,000 feet—over two days to spare your legs. In 2026, the Blue Lakes area will be limiting visitors so be sure to secure a permit before heading out.