Colorado

Mt. Sneffels Wilderness covers 16,587 acres on the Uncompahgre National Forest near the communities of Telluride, Ridgway and Ouray in Colorado. Only 15 miles of constructed trail enter this rugged area. The area is striking in early fall when dustings of snow highlight the jagged terrain and aspens have turned gold. Elevations range from 9,600’ to 14,150’ at the top of Mount Sneffels.

Sneffels is the Nordic word for snowfield. Westward stretches a sheer vertical world of sharp ridges, icy slopes, and ragged peaks. It makes for dangerous climbing typical of the San Juan Mountains, sometimes called America's Switzerland. Technical climbers are still discovering new routes here, but loose volcanic rock often moves the rating from "dangerous" to "very dangerous."

Trails in the eastern and western portions access well renowned wildflower displays, especially in Yankee Boy Basin just outside the eastern boundary, where you'll find the Blue Lakes Trail leading into the area for about 3.5 miles. Blue Lakes huddle below the western edge of Mount Sneffels in a deep basin. The harsh central region of the area is extremely rugged and relatively seldom explored.

Trails within the Wilderness include the Blue Lakes, Alder, Dallas Whipple Mountain and Deep Creek. The Sneffels Highline Trail starts near Telluride and extends into the Wilderness. Blue Lakes and Mount Sneffels receive high visitor use and should be avoided on weekends and holidays. Always use Leave No Trace techniques to help keep this area wild, clean, and pristine.

Mount Sneffels Wilderness from Dallas Creek Divide
"Mount Sneffels from Dallas Creek Divide" (CC BY-ND 2.0) by Sauntering Photographer
When Open? Area Acres Operated By
Year-round; 24 hours a day 16,587 acres US Forest Service:
Norwood Ranger District
Ouray Ranger District
Dogs Allowed? Miles of Trail Max/Min Elev (ft)
Dogs allowed on leash 90 9,450ft - 14,140ft
Location overview of Lizard Head Wilderness / Mount Sneffels Wilderness

Mount Sneffels Wilderness Trail and Map Finder

Area Hiking Trails:
1 - Alder Creek Trail #5510
2 - Blaine Basin Trail #6203
3 - Blue Lake Spur Trail
4 - Blue Lakes Trail #6201
5 - Corbett Canyon Trail #6526
Area Hiking Trails:
1 - Alder Creek Trail #5510
2 - Blaine Basin Trail #6203
3 - Blue Lake Spur Trail
4 - Blue Lakes Trail #6201
5 - Corbett Canyon Trail #6526
6 - Corbett Trail #6209
7 - Dallas Trail #6200
8 - Deep Creek Access Trail
9 - Deep Creek Connector Trail #5418.1B
10 - Deep Creek Trail #5418
11 - Eider Alt Trail
12 - Eider Creek Access Trail
13 - Eider Trail #5417
14 - Hawn Mountain Loop Trail
15 - Hut Trail
16 - Iron Mountain Connector Trail
17 - Iron Mountain Trail #5418.1C
18 - Jud Wiebe Trail #5432
19 - Liberty Bell Trail #5870
20 - Moonshine Trail #6200.1A
21 - Mount Sneffels Trail
22 - Sheridan Crosscut Trail #5869.1A
23 - Sneffels Highline Trail #5434
24 - Virginius Mine Trail #6154
25 - Whipple Mountain Trail #5419
26 - Wilson Creek Trail #6202
27 - Wrights Lake Trail #6201.1A
Area Trailheads:
1 - Alder Creek Trail #5510
2 - Alder Creek Trail #5510
3 - Blue Lakes Trail #6201
4 - Dallas Trail #6200
5 - Dallas Trail #6200
Area Trailheads:
1 - Alder Creek Trail #5510
2 - Alder Creek Trail #5510
3 - Blue Lakes Trail #6201
4 - Dallas Trail #6200
5 - Dallas Trail #6200
6 - Deep Creek Access Trail
7 - Deep Creek Connector Trail #5418.1B
8 - Eider Trail #5417
9 - Hawn Mountain Loop Trail
10 - Jud Wiebe Trail #5432
11 - Jud Wiebe Trail #5432
12 - Moonshine Trail #6200.1A
13 - Mount Sneffels 2WD Trailhead
14 - Sheridan Crosscut Trail #5871
15 - Trailhead
16 - Virginius Mine Trail #6154
17 - Whipple Mountain Trail #5417
18 - Wilson Creek Trail #6202
19 - Wrights Lake Trail #6201.1A
Area Campgrounds: