Is it right for you?
Lookout Peak rises just north of Ophir Pass, between Ophir and Bridal Veil Basin. From the top you look down on Ophir toward the Wilson group, across to US Grant Peak and South Lookout Peak, and north to Mount Sneffels. Newer survey data added 8 feet.
You climb a basin on the southeast side, cut west up a partly grassy slope to the south ridge, and follow it on broken, crumbly rock. Above about 13,375 feet, cliff bands need Class 3 scrambling, then a steep scree slope leads to the summit ridge. It took a family less than two hours to the top.
The round trip is about 3 miles with 1,870 feet of gain. A big reddish couloir off the ridge makes a fast way down.
Plan of the day
By 7 a.m.
Be on the south ridge by 10 a.m.
Class 3 cliff bands above 13,375 feet.
Moderate. Gain the south ridge from the upper basin at about 12,600 feet.
Snowmelt and a small tarn. Filter it.
This week on the summit
Conditions on the summit
Loading Fetching the forecast for 13,669'…—
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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
Ophir Pass
From Silverton, drive north on US 550 from the main intersection on the west side of town for 5.5 miles and turn left on Forest Road 679. From Ouray, cross Red Mountain Pass and go 2.9 miles past the big hairpin on the south side to the same turn. The road crosses Mineral Creek and climbs west about 4.6 miles to the pass. Most of it is easy, but you will want 4WD near the top.
From Telluride, take Highway 145 south from Society Junction past the ski area turnoff to the Ophir turnoff, and drive east through Ophir, mostly summer cabins, on Forest Road 630. The pass is about 3.9 miles from the middle of Ophir. Road numbers change at the pass, but it is one road. A 4WD is needed for the upper part of the pass road. Conditions change; check before you go.
Camping is limited. The closest Forest Service campground is South Mineral, west of Silverton. There's also an open, noisy spot in the trees right where Forest Road 679 leaves US 550. Around Ophir there is a lot of private land.
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
Ophir Pass. 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 →