Mount Sneffels 14er Hike – Trail Guide & Trip Report (San Juan Mountains, Colorado)
“An early start, a gnarly Jeep road, and one of Colorado’s most stunning summit views — here's everything you need to know about hiking Mount Sneffels.”
Trail Diary
3:00 AM
I woke up in my glamping tent after setting three alarms the night before—just in case. I had to be careful not to make them too loud though, since there were other people sleeping nearby. It’s always a delicate balance between being prepared and not being that guy at a campsite.
Once I was up, I made a quick cup of coffee. I know it’s not the smartest move before a big 14er day—caffeine can be dehydrating—but I needed it. Just something about that little morning ritual. To balance it out, I also mixed up a bottle of Nuun electrolyte water to start hydrating before the climb. Between the caffeine and the electrolytes, I felt ready. I threw on my gear and hit the road toward the trailhead.
3:50 AM
I passed the lower 2WD trailhead and started making my way up the rougher road. Things escalated quickly—ruts, rocks, and narrow corners with steep drop-offs. I kept the Jeep in low gear and crawled forward.
4:00 AM
I reached the warning sign:
“Recommended high clearance four-wheel drive short wheelbase vehicles only beyond this point.”
From there, the road got serious. It was slow going—deep potholes, tight switchbacks, loose rocks everywhere. I wasn’t expecting to make it far. My plan was just to get as close as I could, then hike the rest. Every extra quarter mile of driving felt like a gift.
4:40 AM
Surprisingly, I made it all the way to the upper 4WD trailhead. It wasn’t easy, but the Jeep handled everything fine. I wouldn’t recommend this for anything less capable than a Jeep, Bronco, or 4Runner.
The trailhead was empty. A full moon lit up the basin with a soft, surreal glow, and the stars above were insane. Off in the distance, I saw a couple headlamps bobbing—other hikers making their way up from the lower trailhead. From where I was, the summit was only 1.2 miles away. Not bad at all.
4:40 AM
I started hiking right away. The initial stretch was gentle—just a mellow incline through the upper part of Yankee Boy Basin. Even in the dark, the moonlight was bright enough to see without a headlamp. The landscape was peaceful and still.
4:52 AM
I reached the trail junction—left goes to Blue Lakes, right heads to Sneffels. I had already done half a mile and had about 0.7 miles to go. I was moving well and feeling great. The air was cool, but not freezing, which was a surprise at this elevation before sunrise.
5:14 AM
Soon I hit the scree field, and that’s where things slowed down. The rocks were so loose that every step forward felt like sliding half a step back. It wasn’t sketchy—just annoying. I had to constantly watch my footing.
5:30 AM
Light was starting to creep over the horizon, casting soft hues over the surrounding peaks. I kept grinding up toward the saddle, stopping now and then to soak in the changing sky.
5:50 AM
I reached the saddle. The view to the east was unreal—golden light hitting the ridgelines, snow patches glowing, and total silence all around me. I sat down for a snack, drank some water, and took a few photos. I also put on my helmet. There wasn’t anyone above me, but the next section had some exposure, and it’s one of those “just in case” moments.
6:00 AM
Next up was the chimney—a steep gully that often holds snow well into the summer. A few days earlier, people reported needing ice axes and crampons, but the warmer temps had melted most of it. The remaining snow patch was short and firm. I didn’t need any gear to go up, though I planned to use crampons on the descent.
6:20 AM
Past the snow, I hit the crux of the climb: the V-notch. This is where the route earns its Class 3 rating. The move itself isn’t all that technical, but doing it solo makes it feel a little more serious. You have to wedge yourself up through a narrow rock slot with a steep drop just behind you. I took my time, tested every foothold, and made it through fine.
6:40 AM
Once I cleared the notch, it was just a short scramble to the summit.
6:47 AM
I stepped onto the summit and immediately had that “this is why I do this” feeling. For the effort, the reward was massive. Incredible 360° views—the jagged ridges of the San Juans all around, the Blue Lakes Basin far below, and even Telluride visible in the distance. And the best part? I had the entire summit to myself. On a weekend morning. That just doesn’t happen often on 14ers. I lingered for a while—snacked, took photos, and sat quietly, just taking it in. I spotted my Jeep far below, just a tiny dot in the basin. Something about that always humbles me.
7:33 AM
I started heading back down. The top half was smooth, but the scree was just as annoying going down—maybe worse. I slipped a couple of times but managed to stay upright. You really have to slow down and pick your steps in that stuff.
8:50 AM
Back at the Jeep. Tired legs, full heart. Couldn’t have asked for a better start to the trip.
Hike Summary
Name: Mount Sneffels
Location: San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Route: Yankee Boy Basin via upper 4WD trailhead
Distance: 2.4 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: ~1,600 feet
Total Time: 4 hours, 10 minutes
Class: 3 (V-notch scramble with exposure)
Trailhead Access: High-clearance 4WD required (Jeep/Bronco/4Runner strongly recommended)
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(Based on typical seasonal conditions)
✅ Views – 360° views of San Juan Mountains and Blue Lakes Basin
🏔️ Dramatic Terrain – Scree field, chimney gully, and exposed V-notch
❄️ Snow/Ice – Small patch near chimney, typically persists into July
🧗 Scrambling – Class 3 crux through the V-notch
🛻 4WD Access – Upper trailhead only accessible with true high-clearance 4WD
🧑🤝🧑 Light Crowds – Quiet even on a weekend (with early start)
Gallery
Disclaimer: Everything you find here—whether it’s a hiking guide or trail story—is meant for inspiration, not instruction. I’m not a guide or responsible for what happens if you decide to follow a wrong turn or take on more trail than you’re ready for.
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