Mountaineering · YDS Class 3

Southeast Ridge (Matterhorn Creek)

Distance RT
7.0 mi
Gain
3,301 ft
High Point
14,016 ft
Route Description

A striking, pyramid-shaped San Juan summit near Uncompahgre Peak, involving a short but genuine Class 3 scramble near the top.

Approach

Access is via the Matterhorn Creek Trailhead near Lake City, reached by the same general Henson Creek Road corridor used for Uncompahgre Peak, though Wetterhorn has its own dedicated trailhead and approach trail. The trail climbs through forest and then open basin terrain toward Wetterhorn's southeast side. The final section climbs a well-cairned but loose gully and ridge to a short summit block, where a brief Class 3 scramble with real but manageable exposure gains the true high point at 14,015 feet.

Descent

Reverse the ridge and gully back to the trailhead, taking care on the loose rock in the upper section.

Weather Forecast
7-Day Forecast
Today
❄️
Snow
32° / 26°
60%
❄ 3.3"
💨13
Tomorrow
☁️
Overcast
37° / 25°
3%
💨9
Sun, Sep 27
☁️
Overcast
43° / 28°
10%
💨12
Mon, Sep 28
❄️
Snow
31° / 28°
86%
💧0.44"
💨7
Tue, Sep 29
🌧️
Drizzle
34° / 28°
68%
💧0.35"
💨6
Wed, Sep 30
❄️
Snow
34° / 25°
47%
❄ 0.1"
💨7
Thu, Oct 1
🌤️
Partly Cloudy
45° / 24°
10%
💨8
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