Matterhorn Peak & Broken Hill

From the trailhead, follow Trail #233 north for about 0.75 miles until you reach a trail junction. Take a right here and begin ascending a series of switchbacks that climb the mountainside. Before long, you’ll cross into the Uncompahgre Wilderness, marking the transition into a more remote and rugged landscape. Soon after, you’ll pass the last of the trees, opening up expansive views to the north where Matterhorn Peak is ahead, and Wetterhorn to the left.

Continue north past the trail that branches off toward Wetterhorn Peak, staying on the main path as it climbs toward a saddle.

From here, the real climb of Matterhorn begins. Head west, then northwest, making your way up the peak’s SSE-facing slope. If you’re hiking between mid-July and August, you’ll be treated to a colorful display of wildflowers. Eventually the grassy slopes give way to embedded rocks, boulders, and talus.

As you gain elevation, sweeping views unfold—Uncompahgre Peak to the east, Wetterhorn to the west, and the vast San Juan landscape stretching in all directions. The final push to the summit involves some light Class 3 scrambling over boulders, making for a fun, hands-on finish. In early season, lingering snowbanks may require careful navigation, and an ice axe could be useful.

The summit itself is small and rocky with no real flat resting spots. So hold on tight to your belongings! Matterhorn Peak delivers an exhilarating climb and some of the best views in the San Juans.

From the summit of Matterhorn Peak, I descended southeast to the saddle. From there, I began climbing again, where the terrain briefly became rocky before transitioning back to tundra.

Broken Hill’s steep north face came into view as I continued south. The final stretch featured a rugged rock wall to the north, but an easy route through the rock rib on the south provided a straightforward path to the top.

The summit was marked by colorful lichen-covered rocks, and the surrounding landscape offered striking contrasts of iron-stained formations, tundra, and distant peaks. From the summit, the views were incredible—a rewarding finish to this hike.

Directions: From Lake City, take CO Rd 20 along the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway. Turn right onto CO Rd 24. When you get to the next junction with a sign for the Matterhorn Creek Trailhead, park here unless you have a high-clearance 4WD vehicle.