Wetterhorn Peak

Wetterhorn Peak sits at the head of the vast and scenic Uncompahgre Wilderness. It can be climbed in a day but many people will choose to do it as a two-day outing with a camp in picturesque Wetterhorn Basin. We typically climb the Southeast Ridge route, which ascends a rocky ridge to a final headwall of exposed 3rd class climbing. The tabletop summit offers stunning 360 degree views of the Uncompahgre Wilderness.

The transition from Peak Mountain Guides to Mountain Trip has happened! Please contact Mountain Trip’s Telluride, CO office at 970-369-1153 for more information.

SEASON
May – November

One-Day Ascents
1:1 – $540
2:1 – $325 pp
3:1 – $270 pp

*Please contact us about custom options for more than three climbers.

One-Day Mount Wilson-El Diente Traverse
1:1 – $810
2:1 – $540 pp

*Please contact us about custom options for more than two climbers.

Multi-Day Ascents (Per Day)
1:1 – $595
2:1 – $350 pp

*Please contact us for group rates.

All trips are private.

  • wetterhorn peak 14er in the san juan mountains

Overview


1-Day Climb of Wetterhorn Peak

A 1-day climb of Wetterhorn Peak begins in one of two ways. The first option is at the Wetterhorn Basin Trailhead in the West Fork of the Cimarron River drainage. From the parking area, the trail climbs gradually to West Fork Pass and then descends a short distance into the remote and wildly beautiful Wetterhorn Basin. Experienced hikers and climbers have claimed Wetterhorn Basin to be one of the most beautiful wildflower locations in Colorado. We travel across the basin on our way to the Southeast Ridge, where the climbing begins. Alternatively, most climbers start from the Matterhorn Creek trailhead. Once on the ridge, we navigate around gendarmes and rocky outcrops as the ridge steepens en route to the summit. At 14,000 feet, a final headwall of steep, exposed 3rd Class climbing is encountered. For most people, a 1-day climb of Wetterhorn Peak will take 8-10 hours round trip.

2-Day Climb of Wetterhorn Peak

Many may prefer to climb Wetterhorn Peak in two days in order to break up the mileage and spend additional time in Wetterhorn Basin. The camp location in Wetterhorn Basin is spectacular and spending time here is a highlight of the trip. This route involves approximately 11 miles of hiking and 4500 feet of elevation gain/loss over two days. For most people, this will amount to 3-4 hours of hiking on the first day and 7-8 hours of hiking on the second day.

Coxcomb and Uncompahgre

Coxcomb Peak (13,656’) and Uncompahgre Peak (14,314’) are in close proximity to Wetterhorn and are easy to add-on for a longer, more climbing intensive trip. Coxcomb Peak has several pitches of 5.6 technical rock climbing and is a great choice for those interested in technical rock climbing. Uncompahgre Peak has moderate Class 2 scrambling and is enjoyable for hikers of all ability levels. Either peak can be included on a Wetterhorn trip by adding one additional day to the itinerary.

Details


Group Size

This is a private program, no one else will be paired with your party and you pick the dates.

Time and Place

Each trip is a custom affair. We can meet at Peak’s office in Ridgway or anywhere that makes sense for you.

Equipment List

All the technical climbing equipment required for this outing is included.

Contact Us

Mountain Trip

135 W Colorado Ave 2A | Telluride, C0 81435

Authorized Permittee

Peak Mountain Guides is an authorized permittee of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, Gunnison National Forest; San Juan National Forest; Bureau of Land Management Monticello, Moab, Gunnison, and Glennallen Field Offices; Eldorado Canyon State Park; Ouray Ice Park, City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks; and National Parks including Mt. Rainier, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, and Colorado National Monument. Peak Mountain Guides is an equal opportunity service provider.