Is it right for you?
The Unicorn is little more than a tundra hump on the ridge between Summit Peak and Montezuma Peak, at the head of Treasure Creek. Its old height of 13,020 feet was a guess from the map; newer survey data puts it at 13,030.
You climb Summit Peak by its east ridge, then go down its north ridge to a saddle and walk up gentle tundra to the top. The walk up is Class 1, but the north ridge of Summit Peak starts with steep, loose rubble that can be tricky for young kids. The other way to reach the saddle, around through the basin, takes much longer.
From Summit Peak it's about 1.3 miles. Summit Peak, The Unicorn and Montezuma Peak make an easy loop from Treasure Creek. Using Trail 710 both ways, it's about 10 miles with about 3,900 feet of gain. Mileage and gain are our estimates.
Plan of the day
By 6:30 a.m.
Be on Summit Peak by 11 a.m.
Loose rubble at the top of Summit Peak's north ridge.
Easy. Keep to the west side of Summit Peak's north ridge.
Treasure Creek and side streams. Filter it.
This week on the summit
Conditions on the summit
Loading Fetching the forecast for 13,030'…—
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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
Treasure Creek
From the center of Monte Vista (US 160 and Highway 15), go south on Highway 15 about 15.7 miles, past the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, to where County Road 12S (also shown as County Road FF) heads west. Take it west. It runs straight, then bends southwest into the hills; after about 10.7 miles you reach a junction on the north side of Terrace Reservoir.
Turn right (west) on Forest Road 250 and follow the Alamosa River for many miles, first northwest, then southwest. Keep right at the next junctions, staying on the main road southwest (it becomes Forest Road 380); small Stunner Campground is near here. The road climbs four quick switchbacks, crosses Iron Creek and reaches De Nolde and Annella lakes; stay on the north side of the lakes. Where Forest Road 380 turns right to climb toward Stunner Pass, stay left on Forest Road 243 past Lake Annella. In 2.6 miles the road ends at Treasure Creek, the trailhead.
The road is in good shape and fine for passenger cars. You can car camp at the trailhead, and there are primitive sites on side tracks along Road 243 and at the two lakes. Stunner Campground has five tent sites, a vault toilet and no water, with no fee and no reservations.
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
Treasure 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 →