What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Nellie Creek Trailhead
If you want to climb Uncompahgre Peak, your hike will probably start here. The trail offers breathtaking views of the wilderness and is usually peaceful.
Length: 7.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
Ouray Perimeter Trail
This out-and-back trail crosses deep canyons and passes rocky outcrops and waterfalls while offering views of Ouray from all sides. Hiking it involves about 1,600 feet of elevation loss and gain.
Length: 6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Big Blue Creek #232
Located within the Uncompahgre Wilderness, this trail starts at the Wilderness boundary and ends at the Uncompahgre Trail. It offers access to Uncompahgre Peak and travels through open parks, spruce-fir forests, and alpine tundra.
Length: 11 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing and Boating
The Uncompahgre Wilderness provides anglers with excellent opportunities for fishing. In the central area of the wilderness, you'll find several forks of the Cimarron River that flow north and eventually merge, where you can catch trout. Slide Lake, located within the wilderness, is a perfect spot where you can take in the wilderness's beauty while fishing for brook, rainbow trout, and cutthroat.
Climbing
The Uncompahgre Wilderness offers countless technical climbing options. Thanks to the San Juan Mountaineers, there are several technical routes on most of the peaks. From Wetterhorn Peak to Uncompahgre Peak to Matterhorn Peak, you'll find countless technical climbing opportunities in the area.
Ice climbing is also popular in Lake City. The ice park is free and features about 10 to 15 routes with 60 to 100 bolted anchors and pitches. The park remains open from December through March and has a warming hut and fire pit. Guide workshops and services are also available for inexperienced ice climbers or those without gear.
Wildlife Viewing
The Uncompahgre Wilderness is a great area to spot several amazing animals, including mule deer, elk, mountain lion, black bear, and bighorn sheep. The site is also home to various bird species and a diversity of flora native to the area.
Mining Tour
While exploring the Uncompahgre Wilderness, you can visit Hard Tack Mine. This mine remains open from June to September and by reservation during the other months of the year. The mine strives to preserve the area's mining history while providing a unique experience.