Outdoors and wildfire - Mountains
The Uncompahgre Wilderness holds two San Juan 14ers above Lake City
Uncompahgre Peak and Wetterhorn Peak rise inside the Uncompahgre Wilderness west of Lake City, where wilderness rules apply and the trailheads sit at the end of rough roads.
Published June 10, 2026 - Last verified June 15, 2026
West of Lake City, the high country rises into the Uncompahgre Wilderness, mostly on lands managed by the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests. Two of the area’s 14,000-foot peaks stand here. Uncompahgre Peak, the tallest in the San Juan Mountains, sits squarely in Hinsdale County. The sharp horn of Wetterhorn Peak rises just to its west, with its summit right on the Hinsdale–Ouray county line.
Most climbers reach Uncompahgre Peak by the Nellie Creek trail, and Wetterhorn Peak by the Matterhorn Creek trail. Both start at the end of rough, high-clearance roads, so the drive is part of the climb. Plan for a long day, sudden afternoon storms, and weather that can turn cold and wet in any month.
Once you cross the wilderness boundary, wilderness rules apply. That means no motorized or mechanized travel, including bikes. Other rules, such as limits on group size or where you can camp, may also apply, so check the current regulations for this wilderness before your trip. These rules keep the place wild, and they are not optional.
These are serious, high-altitude routes with loose rock and real exposure near the top. They are not beginner hikes. Tell someone your plan, start early, and turn around if the sky darkens.
For current trail status, road conditions, and the exact wilderness rules, check the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests pages before you go.