 | | Mt. Sneffels Wilderness is a small preserve encompassing 16,505 acres on the Uncompahgre National Forest near the mountain communities of Telluride and Ouray. The area is dominated by its namesake 14,150-foot Mt. Sneffels, which is characterized by its sharp ridges, icy slopes and peaks. Mt. Sneffels is also a dormant volcano, which last erupted some 23 million years ago.The dramatic peaks of the area, box the small town of Ouray, as a result many refer to this area as the "Switzerland of America." Visitors who came to this area probably would agree, as it is one of the most photographed of all wilderness areas in Colorado. In fall, the spectacular character of the area radiates as fresh snow lightly dusts the banded layers of rock that soar above the auburn tundra.Geologically, the area was rich in volcanic activity between 10 and 40 million years ago. Mt. Sneffels itself is an igneous intrusion; formed when molten lava pushed up towards the surface, and slowly hardened overtime it became exposed as the covering layers eroded away. These volcanic flows created many of the crags, making climbing on the crumbling rock a true challenge, and a real danger.Alpine tundra and vertical rock and ice slopes cover most of the wilderness, making the area devoid of hardly any alpine lakes. With such a narrow range of habitat, the area is not particularly rich in the diversity of flora and fauna, although it is possible to catch an occasional glimpse of mule deer, elk, black bear, bighorn sheep, mountain lion, bobcat, and golden eagle. Smaller mammals include pika and snowshoe hares.Only 14 miles of constructed trail penetrate into this rugged area. These trails 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 Mt. Sneffels receive high visitor use and should be avoided on weekends and holidays. Campsites in the Blue Lakes are limited in number. Campfires are prohibited in the Blue Lakes area.Elevations range from 9,600 to 14,150 feet at the top of Mount Sneffels. You can expect the wilderness to be snow-free from about mid-July to late September or early October. In the summer, plan for a cool climate and take rain gear. As with much of the Colorado Rockies, rain and lightning are not uncommon late in the day. |
| |  | | | Facilities: There are no facilities available at Mt Sneffels Wilderness. Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted at Mt Sneffels Wilderness. Best Time To Visit: Mt Sneffels Wilderness's best seasons are Midsummer to Fall. Fees: No fees are charged at Mt Sneffels Wilderness. Accessibility: Unknown Rules: Campfires are prohibited in the Mt Sneffels Wilderness. Directions: To get to Mt Sneffels Wilderness from Telluride, travel north towards Ouray. Mt Sneffels Wilderness is less than a mile south of the town of Ouray to Forest Service Road 853. Proceed south until your reach Yankee Boy Basin and Blue Lake Trailhead. | | |
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| | | | Address | | USDA Forest Service | | 2250 HWY 50 | | Delta, Colorado 81416 |
| | | Phone | | General: (970) 874-6600 | |
| | | | | Website | | Email |
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