Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Brands

Colorado Trails

Colorado 14ers: Uncompahgre Peak and Wetterhorn Peak

This backcountry trek to two classic San Juan summits, serves up vertical scrambles, formidable ridges, not to mention miles of stunning scenery.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

-Mapped by Lisa Ganz

Trail Facts

  • Distance: 18.6

Waypoints

UWP001

Location: 38.0233459472656, -107.492561340332

From the Matterhorn Creek trailhead, follow 4WD road to the N

UWP002

Location: 38.030460357666, -107.491218566895

Pass 4WD parking area and continue heading N along Matterhorn Creek

UWP003

Location: 38.0389671325684, -107.49333190918

Turn R @ 3-way and climb E up steep slope

UWP004

Location: 38.0389137268066, -107.491569519043

Turn sharp L; traverse N and enter the Big Blue Wilderness

UWP005

Location: 38.0462036132812, -107.493171691895

Climb through treeline and continue N; Matterhorn Peak looms directly to the N

UWP006

Location: 38.0517501831055, -107.49292755127

To summit Wetterhorn Peak, bear R and leave the trail. Climb NW into a basin tucked at the foot of Wetterhorn. To climb Uncompahgre Peak, stay R on trail and head NE

UWP007

Location: 38.0594711303711, -107.501861572266

Curve to the SW for brief stretch of climb under Wetterhorn’s impressive E face

UWP008

Location: 38.055721282959, -107.506607055664

Turn R on small saddle and begin ascent of Wetterhorn’s SE ridge

UWP009

Location: 38.0584449768066, -107.509979248047

Continue heading NW. Up ahead: Pass a rock tower called the Ship’s Prow by climbing through a notch on the E side of the ridge, then prepare for hands-and-feet scramble up a gully to the summit (route finding required)

UWP010

Location: 38.0606842041016, -107.510925292969

Wetterhorn Peak (14,015 ft.): Unrivaled perspectives overlooking the untouched San Juan Mountains. Look NE along ridge to find Matterhorn Peak; Uncompahgre’s distinct, flat-topped summit can also be seen in the distance to the NE. Return to WPT 6 and turn L to climb Uncompahgre

UWP011

Location: 38.0607643127441, -107.486572265625

Uncompahgre Peak comes into view; follow trail to the E for slight descent

UWP012

Location: 38.0592422485352, -107.466781616211

Continue heading SE beneath Uncompahgre’s rocky cliffs

UWP013

Location: 38.0577583312988, -107.455062866211

Turn L and head NE

UWP014

Location: 38.0635185241699, -107.45108795166

Turn L; follow worn trail as it curves to the NW along Uncompahgre’s S ridge

UWP015

Location: 38.0676689147949, -107.461982727051

Climb N along the ridge

UWP016

Location: 38.071704864502, -107.462120056152

Uncompahgre Peak (14,309 ft.): Relish pristine panoramas of the Big Blue Wilderness from the San Juans’ highest peak; return to WPT 6, then turn L back to trailhead

How to Pack for Backcountry Skiing

Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack.

Keywords: