Is it right for you?
San Miguel Peak looks small and plain from Lake Hope, west of the lake near Trout Lake south of Telluride. Its summit ridge is much more fun than it looks, and the hike up is full of color and wildflowers in July.
Leave the Lake Hope trail below the lake, cross the outlet, and climb tundra south of the northeast ridge, then the ridge itself, to a false summit. The ridge to the true top is jumbled boulders with a deep gash. It is Class 2+, and if you get off line you may meet Class 3 and some exposure.
The round trip is about 7 miles with about 3,150 feet of gain. Mileage and gain are our estimates.
Plan of the day
By 7 a.m.
Be at the false summit by 11 a.m.
The gash and blocks on the summit ridge.
Moderate. Finding the easiest line among the boulders takes care.
Streams below Lake Hope and the lake. Filter it.
This week on the summit
Conditions on the summit
Loading Fetching the forecast for 13,756'…—
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Afternoon storm risk is the line that matters. Everything else is comfort. In summer, plan to be off the ridge before the build-up starts, not as it starts. Forecast for the summit point, adjusted for its elevation · data from Open-Meteo.
Getting there
Lake Hope
From Telluride, drive west on Highway 145 about 3 miles to the junction, then turn left to stay on Highway 145 heading south toward Lizard Head Pass. After about 10 miles, turn left onto County Road 63A toward Trout Lake. Go about 1.7 miles to Forest Road 627 and stay left on it. The trailhead is roughly 2.5 to 3 miles up this road, at a sharp switchback.
The last couple of miles are rough dirt, and a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Land around Trout Lake and along the road is partly private, so camp only where it is clearly allowed. There is a pullout a little below the trailhead. Forest Service campgrounds are near Lizard Head Pass.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
Lake Hope. Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →