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Matterhorn Peak Trail

Uncompahgre National Forest, Colorado · 3 min read

Distance
10.2 mi
Elevation Gain
4,100 ft
Difficulty
strenuous
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through September
Est. Time
7-9 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
10 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • 14,156-foot summit with some of the best views in the San Juan Mountains
  • Combines well with neighboring Wetterhorn Peak for a double-Fourteener day
  • Class 2 approach with brief Class 3 scrambling near the summit
  • The Matterhorn Creek drainage is a premier elk and wildflower valley
  • Trailhead elevation above 10,000 feet shortens the approach
summitviewswildflowersalpine meadow

Overview

Matterhorn Peak is the taller of the two Fourteeners accessible from the Matterhorn Creek Trailhead in the Uncompahgre National Forest. At 14,156 feet, it stands 141 feet above its neighbor Wetterhorn Peak and offers arguably better summit views across the San Juan Mountains. The route is longer and involves more total gain, making it the more committing of the two peaks from the same trailhead.

The Matterhorn Creek drainage is one of the prettiest approaches in the San Juans, climbing through lush meadows filled with elk in early morning and wildflowers in July. The summit panorama encompasses Uncompahgre Peak, the Sneffels Range, and on clear days the mountains of New Mexico to the south.

The Route

Miles 0 to 3.5: Valley approach. Follows Matterhorn Creek closely, gaining steadily through meadows and willows. The same terrain as the Wetterhorn approach for this section.

Miles 3.5 to 4.5: Basin. The trail steepens and enters the north basin below the peak. The route to Wetterhorn diverges here; for Matterhorn, trend northwest toward the obvious north ridge.

Miles 4.5 to 5.1: North ridge. Class 2 talus climbing on the ridge with brief Class 3 moves on the upper portion. The summit is broad and flat with a register.

When to Visit

Mid-July through mid-September. Afternoon thunderstorms are the primary hazard; plan to summit before noon. September often has the most stable conditions.

Practical Details

Same trailhead and access as the Wetterhorn Peak Trail. Vault toilet at the trailhead. No water at the trailhead; creek sources available en route. See the 10 essentials for Fourteener preparation. The forest guide covers the broader Uncompahgre hiking landscape.

Leave No Trace

This trail receives enough use that following Leave No Trace principles is important for preserving the experience for future visitors. Stay on the marked trail to prevent erosion. Pack out all waste. Avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources or the trail. Use existing fire rings only where campfires are permitted, and check current fire restrictions at checking conditions before you go before any visit. The trail and surrounding terrain remain in good condition because previous visitors have respected these norms.

Safety Considerations

The strenuous rating reflects the trail's general character under typical conditions. Weather, seasonal snow, and trail conditions can change the experience significantly. Carry the 10 Essentials on any full-day outing. Inform someone of your plans and expected return time before heading out, particularly on longer or more remote trails. Cell service varies throughout Uncompahgre National Forest and may be unreliable in canyon bottoms or remote terrain.

Trailhead Parking

Matterhorn Creek Trailhead on Engineer Pass Road (CR-3). Same trailhead as Wetterhorn Peak. Dirt road, high-clearance recommended. 20-25 vehicle capacity.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Matterhorn Peak in Colorado?
Matterhorn Peak is rated strenuous with a 10.2-mile round trip and 4,100 feet of gain. Most of the route is Class 2, with brief Class 3 scrambling on the final approach to the summit. Strong hikers take 7 to 9 hours round trip.
Can I hike both Matterhorn and Wetterhorn on the same day?
Yes, many experienced Fourteener hikers combine both peaks in a single long day from the shared trailhead. The combined distance is approximately 17 miles with 5,800 feet of gain. This requires an early start (before 5 AM) and strong fitness.
Is Matterhorn Peak a Fourteener?
Yes. Matterhorn Peak stands at 14,156 feet and is listed as an official Colorado Fourteener. It shares a trailhead with Wetterhorn Peak (14,015 feet).
What is the standard route on Matterhorn Peak?
The standard route follows Matterhorn Creek to a basin below the north ridge, then climbs Class 2 talus to the north ridge and follows it to the summit with some Class 3 moves near the top. The route is well-traveled but not formally maintained above the basin.