Wetterhorn and Uncompahgre - Colorado 14er Dayhike

High and remote Uncompahgre and Wetterhorn stand alone as 14,000 foot sentinels of the Northern San Juan’s. Having this stature and location in common, the two peaks harbor very different characters in their climbing routes. Uncompahgre offers a beautiful class 2+ alpine trail hike to an exposed summit. Resembling it’s Swiss namesake, Wetterhorn sports two classic alpine routes to it’s tiny peak. Wetterhorn’s standard route is no give-away with a long scrambling ridge finishing with the same final pitch to the summit.

[@AdventuringWithChris]

Our hiking professor is bringing us great content during these uncertain times

[@angelsonny1469]

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[@frankaldo481]

@Angel Sonny Instablaster =)

[@angelsonny1469]

@Frank Aldo Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site thru google and im in the hacking process atm. I see it takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@angelsonny1469]

@Frank Aldo it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thanks so much, you saved my ass !

[@frankaldo481]

@Angel Sonny glad I could help :)

[@MountainHobbler]

This guy is the Bob Ross of hiking.

[@papajon62]

Double your pleasure , double your fun! Very nice combo there! For most, I think they would bag Wetterhorn and call it a day. Well done on showing us what a zen hiker can do!

[@christhornley1664]

I've done quite a number of peaks in the Alps and the Pyrenees, but I'd love to get over there someday and bag some of those spectacular 14ers in the Colorado Rockies.

[@pete3687]

Great video, thank you Professor! We appreciate you!

[@OspreyFlyer]

I was on Uncompahgre Peak summit in '99. Loved Lake City also. Thanks for taking me along with you. That was a lot of miles and vertical gain! 👍

[@93butterscotch]

Your hikes give us views that we would not ever be able to see as we get older and just can't make those hikes anymore. I did go on some jeep tours around Lake City back in the 70's and your videos bring the great memories right back to that time for me. I've been watching your videos for over a year now and you do an excellent job of making it seem we are right along your side. God Bless and keep up the good work. Beautiful Colorado - YES!!

[@OspreyFlyer]

I understand, same here! 👍

[@Tbpker22]

Wow - you certainly are ambitious. Thank you for the beautiful photography, so that we who cannot walk well can see impressive nature.

[@peterscheffer3578]

Great to see you back on the trails again. Thanks for the video!

[@johnelmore5946]

Sir, I’ve watched all of Your videos and You are quite Impressive. I live deep in Texas near the Gulf coast at 95 feet.. I know... 95 lol. Wife and I love the Estes Park area... I watched Your summit video of Guadalupe Peak in Texas. I summited it May 19 of ‘19. My first mountain hike and rather easier than I expected. Then, two months later attempted Longs (I know... not a good first 14er) with no acclimation of climate attempting it after 1 day in Estes. I’m 61, a marathoner and avid runner for 42 years and thought Longs was doable. Studied the route a hundred times on 14ers.com. Well, made it to the Keyhole and just knew it would be safer for me to turn back. What upset me was back at 12000 my strength came back. 😣 Once again, You’re quite impressive. I know now how tough it is. Next trip up I’ll acclimatize and do Bierstadt or Quandary. A Little easier but like You said, “No 14er or 13er is easy.” Keep the videos coming. Thanks for listening Sir. - John in South (flatland) Texas.

[@FoorTrek]

Excellent advice all the way around John. You made a smart decision knowing your abilities. You'll get back to Longs soon enough. It's one tough mountain.

[@Mdogbrown]

Smart. It’s hard for me to walk away from one, but in the end it’s the best choice sometimes. Coming from 600ft, I too get a bit too ambitious. It doesn’t matter how good of shape you’re in, altitude can affect anyone. I plan to do this one in the next couple years BUT I’ll probably be camping closer to them to allow acclimation . That way, if I do one and feel I need more time no rush. I can walk back to camp and do the other the next day! Absolutely stunning area!

[@jamesdorsheimer2124]

I really enjoy your attitude and energy. I did Whitney and White Mountain last September. Just did Bierstadt last week. I'm 61 and retired, starting late in life but watching you and Mick,Virtual Sherpa ,I am inspired to knock off 15 ,14ers this year. Prepping for Three Passes Trek in Nepal next Spring. Keep up great work.

[@FoorTrek]

It's never too late James. Glad you're inspired in your new chapter in life. See you on the trails.

[@shebfalls7]

The good doctor! Nice to meet you that day... Our group was coming down the tiny bit of spice on the Unc when you were heading up. Your videos are always sunny-side-up, and I know it's work to create and edit... Thank you so much, you are a blessing to us!

[@FoorTrek]

Great to meet you and the family on the route and congrats on your successful summit! Hope to meet you on the trail again.

[@bmtrueblood]

Perfect day. Great hike. Thank you.

[@rally618]

That looked at you and say."Hey hooman where's the grub?? LOL. Wish you have some more goats along the way.My Fav animal in Colorado beside the pika.WTG on ALL the mountains you hike.

[@TheAAZSD]

Glad to have you videos back!

[@czofnas]

Glorious day! Can’t get any better. Appeared to be a pretty comfortable ascent.

[@PeakbaggersForCancer1]

WOW -- those were some TOUGH 14ers to do back-to-back. Beautiful views; it's been too long since I checked out your channel. Nice job, Brandon.

[@FoorTrek]

Thank you Josh. Wait till you see the video for Little Bear.

[@diana.goes.hiking3276]

Absolutely gorgeous hike! I’m inspired!! Not ready to do a class 3 but now I am definitely going to work myself to get there! I must get to these peaks! Absolutely awesome job! Thank you !!

[@FoorTrek]

You're doing GREAT Diana. You also inspire many by your instagram photos. :-)

[@anulbead4817]

I turned around my first time on wetterhorn, it was my first class 3 and I wasn’t in the right mindset and not with the right climbing partner (negative attitude). I came back a year later with a good friend and we had a blast. The sketchiest part to me was on the side on the way up that involves a loose step soil section about 5ft long with hand holds lol 😂 I don’t like having the feeling of sliding while I am at that height but it’s really not bad. The section after coming around the prow I call “the slab” is the final summit push and the most exposed but it is literally like a sturdy huge staircase of solid rock. Summit is a good size, the views are amazing, and I went down scooting on my ass with no issues. The San Juan’s are hands down my favorite range. I’m going to see Uncompaghre this weekend as a matter of fact. You can do it, take a good friend and a helmet. Starting at the 4wheel drive trailhead helps too lol

[@diana.goes.hiking3276]

Anul Bead sounds amazing and challenging and I’m up for it! The San Juan’s are my favorite range as well! Reading this gave me more inspiration especially looking at how beautiful these mountains are 🤩 thank you 🙏🏼

[@kevinlavelle2751]

Another great hike in the books man! I was hiking La Plata the other day and in my head I kept hearing you say “you see everyone and their fat cousin on Bierstadt, but this hike is hard baby!” Lmao great content as always.

[@fergman300]

2 in one day....killin it.

[@franciscogarza8273]

Awesome views! I remember when I did the same combo but starting with Uncompahgre about 10 years ago, it’s a great workout; I got chased by a late morning storm coming off Wetterhorn that day, the closest I’ve been to lightning on the CO 14ers ever. I went back to do the áreas 14ers 5 years ago but bad weather moved in before getting to Wetterhorn. I need to go back!

[@bradsworld2446]

You got sherpa in your blood👍. Ive done 23 14ers now but my left knee is missing some cartilage and it swells to where i cant bend it any more going down hill only (trying a hinged knee brace on monday for Harvard.). I too have a KZbin site but its mainly for family and friends. I just add cool music. Its called Brad’s World’. Make sure you use the apostrophe to find it. Love your videos!! I got cancer in the end if 2018. After chemo i climbed 3 14ers last year and two so far this year. Just more limited to at most 14 miles. I cant do more than that any more. I want crestone but i dont know anybody to help guide me. I usually only do class 2 but ive done some easy 3s in the past. Trying to get the top 10 now before its to late. I want rainier next year with a guide in a group to get all of them.

[@OspreyFlyer]

Good Luck! 👍

[@FoorTrek]

I can't believe I missed this comment Brad. THANK YOU for sharing your story and congrats to you on your amazing accomplishment. I have subscribed to your channel.

[@arlenalbert844]

Awesome! Nice to meet you.

[@anulbead4817]

What a beast! Sweet combo!

[@doyouevennaturebro4593]

Hopefully I’ll be moving back to Breckenridge in a week or so. Keep the CO hike ideas coming in! Maybe I’ll cross paths with you out there.

[@jaydub5011]

I also live in Colorado and plan on getting in shape, happy I stumbled upon this thanks man, whole years worth of stuff to do

[@FoorTrek]

Welcome aboard!

[@jaydub5011]

@@FoorTrek awesome, headed to bison in morning and horn peak next week, ill fish terryall and deweese

[@chancellor2236]

always love the mentality. inspiring for sure! thanks doc

[@FoorTrek]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@WanderingSoleTV]

Big day! Such incredible views though!

[@barttraynor1220]

Very nice..thank-you

[@FoorTrek]

Thanks Bart!

[@AdamWStrickland]

Love the Borat reference! lol Nice job

[@ryanwhite4433]

I’ll be there in two weeks. I’ve been wondering when you’d do these peaks! Awesome job!

[@zerinahobot4540]

Awesome job, thank you😃😃😃😃👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@tvaughn54]

Just did this last week. Except I came up that scree slope onto Uncompahgre at 16:50. I would not recommend that. Follow the trail, even though much longer.

[@joshduncan7886]

Where's Meltzer? I miss you doing videos with him. They are always entertaining.

[@FoorTrek]

He's still hiking and will be thrilled to know you're asking about him.

[@brianmead6053]

Great video, informative and beautifully shot... Ive hiked the easy 14ers so far, and really want to get into class 3. You seemed so comfortable, and anything but nervous. I mean, whats the best way to start getting into class 3s like this...It looks so much dam fun

[@FoorTrek]

I have years experience class 3 and 4 rock. Takes time. Find a route with photos your comfortable with and try some class three with minimal exposure. That will be a good start.

[@hoaphuong003]

Love all of your Videos. This will be our first time. We wants to do 2 hike on 14ers in the fall (September).Which 2 is the easiest that you suggest?

[@FoorTrek]

Sherman and Huron are good starts. Not the "easiest" but less people.

[@campingalan]

What an awesome day for hiking! Thank you very much for sharing it with us! Would you say that the Uncompahgre is doable with a dog and the Wetterhorn is not? I do have a webbed harness system that I've made for my dog to hoist him up; but I usually only try to limit it to a 5 or 8ft hoist. It also can be used for climb or descent assistance for about 30 feet; just to help him in the event he slips. Ha...he has 4 legs, so his chances of slipping are usually greatly less than ours.

[@FoorTrek]

Yes, in fact, I saw dogs on Uncompahgre. If you hike with someone, they can keep your dog while you do the class 3 to Wetterhorn. I have known people to take their dogs up, but I think that's potentially dangerous.

[@MrCkpcpi]

Thanks for the great videos, Wetterhorn is next in the list. Did Sniffles last week. Wondering how the two compare both being class 3 and around the same distance?

[@FoorTrek]

Wetterhorn has some steep but short scrambling. Uncompahgre has one small section several 100 feet below the summit.

[@eddr1998]

Awesome! How was the road getting to the Wetterhorn trailhead? I made it there in my Mazda 3 last year to do Uncompaghre. Looking to do Wetterhorn in a couple of weeks.

[@FoorTrek]

The last two miles to the 2WD trailhead will require a HCV.

[@mikecolesvids]

Another great vid thanks! Curious if Uncompahgre is doable in early June as we'll be in Lake City?

[@FoorTrek]

Were you able to do the hike in early June?

[@mikecolesvids]

@@FoorTrek I summited on June 15th. We camped at Snowdens Meadow and I rode my dirt bike to the trail head. I produced a video about the experience on my channel if you’re interested. It was a lot of fun thanks!

[@cliffsandifer3877]

I climbed Uncompagjre in 1981 while attending WSC nearby Gunnison.....DID NOT have 'go pros" then.....$%$#@ it. On the summit our leader pointed out Pikes Peak to the far eastern horizon. i assume you still see it there. (teehee)

[@FoorTrek]

Hi Cliff! Thanks for the post. Sure could see Pikes Peak!

[@man-on-the-brink]

Another great video! Why don't you get yourself a 4x4?

[@jeremiahescobedo]

What's a good hike for mid April early may south Colorado? Not to much snow?

[@FoorTrek]

That's tough to say. Usually anything under 10K shouldn't have too much snow. Your best bet would be very SW Colorado like Mesa Verde, Western Colorado near Grand Junction, or the SE area near Spanish Peaks.

[@richardlowe968]

What was the time and distance for you, and did you start at the 2wd trailhead? Thanks!

[@FoorTrek]

Distance is close to 20 miles. I did start at the 2wd trailhead. I'm pretty sure I say the time in the video.

[@richardlowe968]

@@FoorTrek Thanks! I must have missed that but I appreciate it. Planning for it sometime next month.

[@charlessavoie2367]

1:21 numbers transposed.

[@rockyshore7017]

Please explain where the 2WD trailhead and the 4WD trailhead are? Is one of them the Nellie Creek Trailhead?

[@FoorTrek]

The trailhead where I parked was the Matterhorn Creek Trailhead 2WD, which is about one mile from the 4WD trailhead. If you use Google Maps and type in Matterhorn Creek Trailhead, it will show you the exact location.

[@rockyshore7017]

@@FoorTrek I see it... thanks! I haven't been to the area yet, but I'd like to hike Uncompahgre. The route I see mentioned elsewhere is via the Nellie Creek Trailhead. Can one get there in a car or van? Or is 4WD more sensible?

[@schaffermatt]

Just curious: why do so many people insist on pronouncing it “Un-com-PADRE” when it is clearly spelled with a “g”?

[@FoorTrek]

Good question. Lots of variable reasons why our language can be complex with how words are pronounced.