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A steep and rocky trail up 14er Mt. Sneffels for those who wish to avoid scrambling.


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Map Key

0.7

Miles

1.1

KM

Point to Point

14,053' 4,283 m

High

12,666' 3,861 m

Low

1,387' 423 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

40%

Avg Grade (22°)

96%

Max Grade (44°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The trailhead is generally closed 2-3 miles below the lower trailhead (where this hike starts).

The land manager requests dogs be leashed.

Need to Know

Example: There is very little shade after the first 2 miles, and the summer sun can be brutal. There are some rocky sections - careful of your ankles!

Description

From the turnoff from Blue Lakes Trail, head right on the trail. Hike up a low-grade rocky trail before turning right up a steep gully. Continue for around 500 ft vertical gain up the loose dirt/gravel on unclear trail. Despite its grade, there are no switchbacks here, so this bit is brutal.

Reach a saddle at 13,500 ft, and turn left up another gully. This gully is a similar grade but is composed primarily if larger talus blocks. It funnels hikers up to just below 14,000 ft. This part of the mountain is fairly shaded, so the top if often full of snow into July. As the gully narrows and becomes cliffed out near the top, angle to the left. Pass through a V-notch (class 3 move at most). Continue along a vague trail, angling up and to the right. The summit is only about 100 ft up and is clear from this point. Hike up along some grippy rocks and reach the summit.

From here you may return from whence you came, or downclimb the southwest ridge and link up with the Blue Lakes Trail to do the Mt. Sneffels featured hike in reverse.

Flora & Fauna

This hike starts in the beautiful Yankee Boy Basin among beautiful wildflowers. As you get higher, you're likely to encounter marmots and pika.

History & Background

Example: There are rusting remains at the tip of Heyward Point of a winch system that was once used to haul gas tanks from the water to a light beacon on the headland.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tyler Prince

Trail Ratings

  2.5 from 4 votes

#43977

Overall
  2.5 from 4 votes
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Trail Rankings

#3,196

in Colorado

#43,977

Overall
5 Views Last Month
1,011 Since Apr 9, 2015
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Photos

View from the Mount Sneffels peak.
Sep 9, 2023 near Telluride, CO
View from the Mount Sneffels peak.
Sep 9, 2023 near Telluride, CO
View from the Mount Sneffels peak.
Sep 9, 2023 near Telluride, CO
Hikers descending the gully, not far from the summit. The 13,500 ft saddle can be seen in the distance.
Apr 13, 2015 near Telluride, CO
High exposure and easy climbing high on Sneffels' Southwest Ridge.
Aug 2, 2017 near Telluride, CO
Mt. Sneffels summit, taken May 20, 2018
Jun 2, 2018 near Telluride, CO

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