Recommended Route
Nellie Creek Route—use of this route will help to reduce impacts to this Fourteener’s fragile alpine environment. For detailed route information including photos, maps, and elevation profiles, click here.
Route Information and Additional Resources
The trailhead is approximately 6 miles west of Lake City, CO. The Nellie Creek road becomes a foot trail at the Uncompahgre Wilderness Boundary. The trail is well traveled and easy to follow as it goes west to the southeast ridge of Uncompahgre. The US Forest Service constructed this trail in 1997.
For route descriptions check guidebooks on Colorado’s Fourteeners Keep in mind that not all guidebooks will list this recommended route and that each guidebook’s description or route name may vary slightly. We suggest checking multiple guidebooks before departing on any hike.
Peak Specific Environmental and Safety Concerns
Due to sensitivity of the alpine environment, it is critical that climbers stay on the trail. Do not cut switchbacks. There is an endangered species along this trail. Hikers are encouraged not to camp along the trail. Camp below the trailhead.
Dispose of Waste Properly. There is a toilet at the trailhead, hikers are encouraged to use it. If unable to use the toilet, please use proper Leave No Trace practices (i.e. below timberline, bury waste in a “cat hole” and pack out toilet paper. Above timberline, pack out all solid human and dog waste.)
No butterfly collecting is allowed in this area.
Please travel in small groups. Group size should not exceed 25 (including pack animals).