Overview
V 5 is a short climb above Clear Lake with a close look at the rugged peaks around the lake. It is the best place to study the route on South Lookout Peak before trying it. Newer survey data added 8 feet.
An old mining road helps you past boulder talus on the lower slopes; much of the southwest face is steep tundra. Higher up, a prominent couloir splits the summit ridge. You climb its right branch on steep, loose rock, then weave through a break in the rock and up ledges to the ridge. It is Class 2 with a bit of scrambling.
The round trip is about 1.6 miles with 1,325 feet of gain. It took about an hour up and less to come down.
Plan of the day
By 8 a.m.
Be at the couloir by 11 a.m.
Steep, loose rock in the upper couloir.
Easy. Take the right branch where the couloir forks.
Clear Lake. Filter it.
Getting to the trailhead
Clear Lake
From the US 550 junction on the west side of Silverton, drive north on 550 for a little over 2 miles and turn west on Forest Road 585 (from Ouray, it is on the right after Red Mountain Pass, before Silverton). This graded dirt road reaches the South Mineral campground and trailhead in about 4.7 miles; the last mile is rougher but fine for cars.
About 4.2 miles in, at roughly 9,795 feet, the Clear Lake Road (Forest Road 815) branches off to the right. It needs 4WD with good clearance. It climbs eight switchbacks in the forest, then four more above the trees, to the lake at 11,985 feet. Conditions change; check before you go.
There is a little camping at switchbacks 6, 7 and 8, or a cold night at the lake parking. South Mineral Campground (26 sites, first come, first served) and designated dispersed areas along Forest Road 585 fill up on summer weekends.
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
Clear Lake. 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 →