Wetterhorn and Uncompahgre Peak

The route begins at the Matterhorn Creek Trailhead, which features clear signage and a dirt parking lot with space for five to six tents in an adjacent field, though it lacks restrooms and other amenities. From the trailhead, the route climbs to the summit of Wetterhorn Peak. After summiting Wetterhorn Peak, hikers descend back toward the Matterhorn Creek Trailhead or head to the junction with the Ridge Stock Driveway to continue toward Uncompahgre Peak. When open and permitted by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) for wildlife protection, a shortcut across the basin off the Wetterhorn Peak Trail can link directly to the Ridge Stock Driveway. This shortcut reduces the distance by approximately 0.75 miles and saves 300 to 400 feet of elevation gain. The shortcut crosses a field and several streams before connecting to the Ridge Stock Driveway. Alternatively, continuing to the main trail junction and turning left onto the Ridge Stock Driveway leads toward Uncompahgre Peak. The segment along the Ridge Stock Driveway is mostly flat singletrack and rocky dirt road following a stream through alpine tundra. Heading north-northeast for approximately one mile provides clear views of Uncompahgre Peak. The trail then angles right, crossing several streams over the next two miles of flat to slightly downhill terrain. While steep gullies composed of loose, dangerous talus offer potential shortcuts up to the peak on the left, sticking to the main trail is recommended to avoid hazardous scrambling and save energy. Just over eight miles into the hike, the route turns off the Ridge Stock Driveway, angling left up a switchback to join the Uncompahgre Peak Trail, which leads to the summit. This challenging double-summit route links two of the San Juan Mountains' iconic 14ers. For those seeking additional distance, the nearby 13er, Matterhorn Peak, is situated between Wetterhorn and Uncompahgre and adds approximately two miles and 1,500 feet of elevation gain. Other nearby 14ers accessible from the Lake City area include Handies Peak, Redcloud Peak, and Sunshine Peak.

Translated from Swiss German, "Wetterhorn" means "weather peak." The name fits. Like its European namesake, this part of the state is prone to sudden weather changes, as discovered by all too many hikers.