V 9

V 1    12,935 Unranked peak, rarely summited

V 2    13,309 CO rank 387, great hike and views, technically easy class 2

V 3    13,528 CO rank 238, more challenging at class 2+, loose gravel, great views

V 4    13,540 CO rank 228, loose terrain, class 3, incredible views into Ice Lake Basin

V 5    13,156 CO rank 518, often climbed with South Lookout Peak, class 2+

V 6    12,442 CO rank 1041, bushwhack to the summit, pretty sort.

V 7   13,042 CO rank 612, technically easy, grassy slopes (read a report about a person mountain biking this one). 

V 8   don't ask me what happened to this one...some resources use UN 13300 as V 8 (Gerry Roach) and other use West Turkshead Peak.

V 9   13,269 CO rank 435, class 3, nicely located above Hope Lake. Great area to explore.               

V 10 13,475CO rank 271, class 3, willows, very loose terrain.                                                                 

Lake Hope with a slight snow fall

Nice columbines - Lake Hope has nice wildflowers in July/August. 

Hope Lake Trail: The Lake Hope trail starts at the sharp curve on a switchback on FS Road #627 (it is well marked). From Telluride drive south on State Highway 145 for approximately 10.1 miles and take left onto signed dirt road for Trout Lake (FR #626). Follow this road around the northwest shore of Trout Lake for approximately one mile to Forrest Road # 627 (Hope Lake road). Proceed on this rougher dirt road for 2.5 miles to the Hope Lake traihead. 

The trail is well used and really easy to follow. It is 2.5 miles to the Lake, and another 0.3 miles to reach the pass. Trailhead elevation is 10,750 feet, Lake Hope is 11,880 feet and the Pass is 12,445 feet. The views are spectacular!

Bandora Mine Trail via South Mineral Campground: nice if coming from the east (Silverton area). Drive north of Silverton for a couple of miles towards Ouray on Million Dollar Highway. At the sign for the South Mineral Campgroung, turn left onto a good dirt road. In 4.3 miles, pass the Ice Lake Trailhead. The next two miles require high clearance 4WD vehicle. Park in a turn out at 6.6 miles at the Bandora Mine. The road splits here - the left branch goes down to the South Fork of Mineral Creek (good access point for Twin Sister Peaks and Rolling Mountain), and the right branch is closed to vehicles and goes up Lake Hope Pass.  

As mentioned in an Overview section - basically, it does not matter which approach you choose. The goal is to reach Hope Lake Pass and here both approaches meet and you climb the south ridge of UN 13000. I chose Hope Lake approach because we got fresh snow and I expected the drive to Hope Lake Trailhead easier. Hope Lake trailhead is passable for 2 VD vehicles. If coming from the east via Bandora Mine and South Mineral, you do need a 4WD (ok for 2 WD to South Mineral campground, then the next 2 miles are rough). 

I chose to approach via Hope Lake Trail since it is scenic, does not require long 4 WD road (normal cars can make it), the area around the lake is very scenic and the trail is easy to follow. The trailhead is well marked, the distance to the lake is about 2.5 miles. The trail continues higher up to the saddle between 13300 and V 9. I left the trail at the saddle and ascended initially easy north ridge with some looser sections. There is loose rock, consider a helmet especially if going in a group of people I stayed pretty much on the ridge except 2 occasions when I bypassed the technicalities once on the west side and 2nd time on the east side. Never descended more than 15 feet. The summit has great views especially over to Rolling Mountain, Grizzly Peak and V 10, San Miguel and north views towards Vermilion group. Hope Lake looks fantastic from here.

Red Tape

Driving 4 WD roads, hiking and climbing are free. 

When to Climb

Summer is the easiest with a relative short access. Winter is easier from Lake Hope since the approach will be shorter. Check for avalanche reports prior venturing out in the winter. Lake Hope area is a very popular hiking destination, especially during the summer expect crowds, beautiful blue waters of the lake and tons of wildflowers. 

Camping

External Links

• V 9 on List of John
• V 9 on 13ers.com
• V 9 on Peakbagger