I did this as part of a 3 day backpack trip. It was the first 14,000 ft mountain I had been on in CO and I was shocked at the number of people on the trail. Of course it was a holiday weekend, which made it worse.
My first Colorado 14er! Had to walk from the bottom of the road since I came on a motorcycle. See my Trip Report about doing seven 14ers in eight days.
Climbed via the South Slopes from Nellie Creek. A great hike through the Uncompahgre Highlands to the rugged summit plateau. The trail was in good condition and the crowds minimal. The views of Wetterhorn Peak and the neighboring San Juan peaks were excellent.
Uncompahgre Peak from Nellie Creek TH Date Climbed: Jul 12, 2009
Climbed Uncompahgre Peak from Nellie Creek TH (second time). Great weather in the morning after raining all night. Started at 5:40am and was back to the car 9:50am. Nice hike, great views.
Just the standard route, but we faced some high winds above timberline. Climbed with my usual partner, trishpajean. 14er #42 for me, #40 for her. 3 hrs., 50 min. up, 30 min. on the summit, 2 hrs., 30 min. down.
Ascended Uncompahgre via the Nellie Creek trailhead for our third 14er of our week long trip to the San Juans. Very enjoyable hike, the crux of the climb before the summit platteau was very enjoyable, i would say stick to the right at this portion. There is more solid rock to be found.