San Miguel Peak - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

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Mountain Peaks

About San Miguel Peak

San Miguel Peak is the highest point in San Miguel County. with an elevation of 14,093 feet. The peak is located in the San Juan Mountains, about 10 miles north of the town of Telluride. The area around the peak is popular for hiking, camping, and backpacking. There are several trails that lead to the summit, ranging from easy to difficult. The summit offers stunning views of the mountain range and the surrounding valleys.

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Hotels near San Miguel Peak

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Things to Do at San Miguel Peak

There's no shortage of things to do when you're at San Miguel Peak in Colorado. For starters, the views from the peak are absolutely stunning. You can see for miles in every direction, and it's a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also hike to the top of the peak. It's a moderate to difficult hike, but it's definitely worth it for the views. And, of course, you can't visit San Miguel County without doing some skiing or snowboarding. There are several nearby resorts that offer great skiing and snowboarding conditions. So whether you're looking for a peaceful place to take in the scenery or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, San Miguel Peak is the perfect spot.

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History of San Miguel Peak

San Miguel Peak is a summit in the San Miguel Mountains in San Miguel County, Colorado. The peak is named for Saint Michael the Archangel, who is said to have appeared on the mountain in 1640. The first recorded ascent of the peak was made by members of the Dominguez-Escalante expedition in 1776. In 1858, a party led by Judge John Lewis Petit made the first attempt to climb the peak from its east side. Petit and his party were forced to turn back just below the summit due to bad weather. It wasn't until 1873 that members of the Hayden Survey successfully climbed to the top of San Miguel Peak. Today, the summit can be reached via a number of different hiking trails. Despite its relatively low elevation, San Miguel Peak is considered one of the more challenging summits in Colorado due to its steepness and isolated location.

Best Time to Visit San Miguel Peak

The best time to visit San Miguel Peak is during the summer months, when the weather is warmer and the trails are less crowded. However, visitors should be aware that lightning activity is common in the area, so it is important to check the forecast before embarking on a hike.

Tips for Visiting San Miguel Peak

  1. San Miguel Peak is the highest point in the San Miguel range, and at 14,487 feet it's no easy hike. Be sure to prepare for altitude sickness and bring plenty of water.
  2. Once you start the hike, you'll quickly gain elevation. Take your time and take breaks when you need to. The air is thinner at high altitudes, so it's easy to get tired quickly.
  3. The last mile or so is the most challenging, with a steep incline and loose rock underfoot. But the views from the summit are worth it!
  4. On your way back down, be careful not to let your guard down. The trails can be slippery and it's easy to lose your footing.
  5. San Miguel Peak is located in a high-altitude area, so be sure to drink plenty of water and take breaks often.
  6. Remember to pack out all your trash - Leave No Trace principles apply here just as they do anywhere else in nature.

Interesting Facts and Trivias About San Miguel Peak

  1. San Miguel Peak is the second highest peak in the San Miguel county, Colorado. The peak is located in the San Juan Mountains, and has an elevation of 14,159 feet.
  2. Due to its remote location, San Miguel Peak is one of the less-frequented peaks in Colorado. 
  3. The standard route for climbing the peak is via the Northwest Ridge, which is considered to be a moderate hike.
  4.  The views from the summit are spectacular, with Mount Sneffels, Wetterhorn Peak, and Uncompahgre Peak all visible on a clear day.
  5. In addition to hiking and climbing, popular activities in the Lizard Head Wilderness Area include fishing, horseback riding, and camping.

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at San Miguel Peak

The peak can be reached via a variety of hiking trails, and most people take between 4 and 6 hours to reach the summit. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow, but it does require a certain amount of fitness and stamina to complete. 

How to Reach San Miguel Peak

The summit can be reached by a number of different trails, but the most popular route is via the Bear Creek trail. The Bear Creek trailhead is located just off of Highway 550, and from there, it is a 5.2-mile hike to the top of San Miguel Peak. The trail climbs steadily for the first few miles, but the last mile is a steep scramble over rocks and talus.

Entrance Fee of San Miguel Peak

There is no entrance fee to explore the peak, but there is a small parking fee if you plan to park in the designated lot. 

Opening Hours of San Miguel Peak

The peak is located in San Miguel County and is open to the public from sunrise to sunset.

Attractions Near San Miguel Peak

Vermilion Peak

Vermilion Peak

3.86km from San Miguel Peak

Vermilion Peak is a mountain in San Miguel County. It is the highest point in the Chicago Basin, and is part of the San Juan Mountains. The mountain was named for its reddish-brown color, which is caused by iron oxide in the rocks. The summit of Vermilion Peak can be reached via a trail that leads from the Needle Creek Trailhead. The trail is approximately eight miles long, and takes most hikers about four to five hours to complete.

Fuller Peak

Fuller Peak

4.21km from San Miguel Peak

Fuller Peak is a mountain in San Juan County, Colorado. It is located in the San Juan Mountains, west of the town of Silverton. The peak is named for geologist John C. Fuller, who surveyed the area in the late 19th century. Fuller Peak is a popular destination for hiking and backpacking, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The peak is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and bighorn sheep.

Golden Horn

Golden Horn

4.48km from San Miguel Peak

The Golden Horn is a mountain peak in the San Miguel county of Colorado. Standing at an elevation of 12,943 feet, it is the highest point in the state. The peak is located in the San Juan National forest and is part of the Weminuche Wilderness. The Golden Horn gets its name from its golden-hued cliffs, which attract climbers from all over the world. In addition to its stunning views, the peak is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep and elk.

Lizard Head Pass

Lizard Head Pass

5.12km from San Miguel Peak

Lizard Head Pass is located in San Miguel County, Colorado. The pass is situated between the towns of Telluride and Rico, and provides access to the Lizard Head Wilderness area. The pass is named for the Lizard Head peak, which is visible from the pass and is a popular destination for climbers. The pass itself is fairly easy to hike, with a gradual ascent and a few switchbacks. However, the trail can be extremely rocky in places, so hikers should be sure to wear proper footwear.

Trout Lake

Trout Lake

5.13km from San Miguel Peak

Trout Lake is a picturesque lake located in San Miguel County. The lake is fed by the Crystal River and is surrounded by evergreen trees and mountain peaks. It is a popular destination for fishing, camping, and hiking. The lake is home to rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and brown trout. The lake also has a variety of birds and other wildlife. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the lake from the shores or from one of the many hiking trails that wind through the area.

Fuller Lake

Fuller Lake

5.15km from San Miguel Peak

Fuller Lake is a man-made body of water created in the early 1900s by damming the Fuller River. The lake is used for irrigation and recreation, and is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and boating. The Fuller River flows into the lake from the north, and out of the south end of the lake. The lake is located in a canyon, and has steep cliffs on its north and south sides. There are several campgrounds and picnic areas along the shores of the lake, as well as a boat launch.

Discover More Attractions in San Miguel County, Home of San Miguel Peak

San Miguel County

San Miguel County

20 attractions

San Miguel County is located in the southwestern corner of Colorado. It is home to the towns of Telluride, Mountain Village, and Norwood. The county is well-known for its scenic beauty, and it attracts visitors from all over the world. Outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, skiing, and camping are popular in the area. The county also has a rich history, and there are many sites of interest for history buffs. In recent years, the county has become increasingly popular as a destination for wed

Location of San Miguel Peak

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