| Uncompahgre Peak | |
|---|---|
Uncompahgre Peak from the west |
|
| Elevation | 14,321 ft (4,365 m) NAVD 88[1] |
| Prominence | 4,277 ft (1,304 m) [2] |
| Listing | Colorado Fourteener |
| Location | |
|
Uncompahgre Peak
|
|
| Location | Hinsdale County, Colorado, USA |
| Range | San Juan Mountains |
| Coordinates | [1] |
| Topo map | USGS Uncompahgre Peak |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Hike (class 2) |
Uncompahgre Peak is the sixth highest mountain peak in the U.S. state of Colorado and is the highest peak of the San Juan Mountains. It is located in the Uncompahgre Wilderness in the northern San Juans, in northern Hinsdale County approximately 7 miles (11 km) west of the town of Lake City.
Uncompahgre peak has a broad summit plateau, rising about 1,500 ft (500 m) above the broad surrounding alpine basins. The south, east and west sides are not particularly steep, but the north face boasts a 700 ft (210 m) cliff. Like all peaks in the San Juan Mountains, Uncompahgre is of volcanic origin, but is not a volcano. The rock is of poor quality for climbing, precluding an ascent of the north face.
The most popular route for climbing Uncompahgre Peak is Uncompahgre National Forest Service Trail Number 239, which starts from the end of the Nellie Creek Road, east-southeast of the peak. The Nellie Creek Road is a four wheel drive road accessed from the Henson Creek Road, about 4 miles (6.4 km) west of Lake City. The trail to the summit is a strenuous hike rising 2,919 ft (890 m) in elevation in about 3.5 mi (6 km). It accesses the summit in a winding ascent, starting from the east, passing over a south-trending ridge, and finishing on the west slopes of the summit plateau.[3]