This photo might win the "most boring SP photo ever" award, but it is important for those intrepid climbers wishing to attempt Precipice Peak. Once at the Wetterhorn Basin trailhead, head up a draw full of boulders and washes due northeast toward a tree covered buttress and look for the scene depicted in this photo.

Over on the left side of the picture is an orange fiberglass marker, marking the Uncompahgre Wilderness boundary. This marker is also the beginning of the route up through a deep forest with plenty of deadfall. On the right are two fallen logs forming an "x", and above them to the right, a clearing leading up a steep ridge through the timber. Access up through this clearing will eventually lead to a sketchy climber's trail, which you must depart at times to negotiate deadfall. Try to stay on top of this forested ridge or over on the right at the edge of the trees above a gully. In about 30-40 minutes, you'll be above timberline and visibility will no longer be a problem.

However, the interesting route up Precipice Peak will have just begun. Follow the route description carefully and you'll have no problems and enjoy the climb. Precipice Peak is one of the trickiest and most rewarding mountains to climb in the San Juans!