Ulysses S. Grant Peak - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

There are several things to do at Ulysses S. Grant Peak, including hiking, camping, and sightseeing. The peak is accessible via a number of hiking trails, and there are several campsites in the area. From the summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. wildlife watching is also popular in the area, as the basin is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and black bears.

Ulysses S. Grant Peak is a summit in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado. The peak is named for Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and Union Army General during the American Civil War. The peak was originally named Mount Palmer for James Washington Palmer, an early settler in the area and founder of Colorado Springs. However, in 1909, the United States Board on Geographic Names changed the name of the peak to its current moniker. Grant Peak sits at an elevation of 13,301 feet (4,054 meters) and is a popular destination for climbers and hikers. The peak offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as of neighboring states such as New Mexico and Arizona. For those looking to summit Grant Peak, there are several different routes to choose from, depending on ability level and experience. Regardless of which route you take, reaching the top of Ulysses S. Grant Peak is sure to be a memorable experience.

The best time to visit Ulysses S. Grant Peak in San Juan County, Colorado is during the summer months. From June through August, the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for hiking and camping. The scenery is also at its best during this time of year, with wildflowers blooming in the meadows and aspen trees turning a golden color.

1. Check the weather forecast before you go. The peak can be dangerous during storms, so it's important to know what conditions you'll be facing.
2. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. The trail is rocky and uneven in places, so sturdy shoes are a must. And since the weather can change quickly at high altitudes, it's always a good idea to dress in layers.
3. Be prepared for the altitude. If you're not used to hiking at high elevations, take your time and rest often. Drink plenty of water and eat light meals to avoid getting altitude sickness.
4. Allow plenty of time for your hike. Depending on your fitness level, it may take anywhere from 4-8 hours to reach the summit and back down again. Make sure you give yourself enough time so you don't have to hurry on the way back down.
5. Watch out for mountain lions and other wildlife while you're hiking.
6.  There is no cell reception at the peak, so be sure to let someone know where you're going before you head out.
7. Don't attempt to climb any of the rocks - they are very unstable and dangerous. 
    

1. Grant Peak is part of the San Juan volcanic field, which is home to more than 500 volcanoes.
2. The peak is made up of lava flows that date back to the Miocene epoch, which lasted from 23 to 5 million years ago.
3. In addition to being the highest point in San Juan County, Grant Peak is also the county's tallest mountain.
4. Despite its height, Grant Peak is fairly easy to climb and does not require any special equipment or training.
5. The peak is part of the Weminuche Wilderness Area, which is one of the largest wilderness areas in Colorado.
6. There are several hikes that lead to the summit of Ulysses S. Grant Peak, and the most popular route is via the cairned South Ridge Trail.

The maximum time required to explore Ulysses S. Grant Peak thoroughly is believed to be three days. However, shorter hikes of a day or two are also possible and can still provide hikers with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

There are several ways to reach the summit of Grant Peak. The easiest and most popular route is via the Boulder-Snowmass Trail, which starts at the Snowmass Lake trailhead. From there, it is a moderate hike of about 7 miles to reach the summit. another option is to start at the South Fork of the Gunnison River and hike up through Grants Meadow before reaching Grant Peak. This route is longer, at about 12 miles, but it is considered to be one of the most scenic in Colorado. 

No, there is no entrance fee to explore Ulysses S. Grant Peak. 

 The peak is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. No camping is allowed on the peak.