Is it right for you?
Matterhorn Peak is Wetterhorn's shorter neighbor to the east, in the Uncompahgre Wilderness above Lake City. It's one of Colorado's 200 highest peaks and well worth a day of its own.
You follow the Matterhorn Creek trail to a saddle, then climb a huge slope of grass and summer flowers, then talus, to a small rocky tower. It is Class 2 until the tower, which is easy Class 3 with little exposure.
The round trip is about 6.5 miles with 2,800 feet of gain. Broken Hill, across the saddle, makes a good add-on.
Plan of the day
By 6:30 a.m.
Be at the saddle by 10 a.m.
The summit tower.
Easy. The whole route is in view once you leave the trees.
Matterhorn Creek. Sheep have grazed up here, so filter it.
This week on the summit
Conditions on the summit
Loading Fetching the forecast for 13,590'…—
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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
Matterhorn Creek
From Lake City, go west on Second Street and turn left after a block onto the Henson Creek road (the Alpine Loop). Zero your odometer at that turn. The Nellie Creek road goes off at about 5 miles. Near 9 miles, at Capitol City, bear right onto the North Henson road (Forest Road 870). It's rougher, but most cars with decent clearance handle it.
Near 11 miles a sign points right to the Matterhorn Creek trailhead. Without 4WD, park at this junction and walk. With 4WD, turn right and go about 0.7 mile up the spur to a small lot with a gate, near 10,840 feet. Walking from the junction adds about 1.4 miles to the round trip. The route enters the Uncompahgre Wilderness, so follow its rules on group size, camping, fires and dogs.
The 2026 Elk Fire led to closures of the Matterhorn Creek road and the Wetterhorn approach (the Nellie Creek side stayed open). Check current Forest Service closures before you go. Camping is primitive only, best around Capitol City (mind the private land) and near the trailhead turnoff.
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
Matterhorn Creek. 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 →