El Punto Peak 13,300'

Overview

El Punto offers a short scrambling challenge by its easiest route. Views of the surrounding high San Juan peaks of Uncompahgre, Wetterhorn, Matterhorn, Heisshorn, Coxcomb,Redclif and Precipice are stellar... if you can stand on loose blocks of rock that comprise the skinny tower.

Getting There

El Punto can be approached from the north via Middle Fork Cimmaron River TH, longer by East Fork Cimmaron River. Both TH are reached above Silver Jack Reservoir on Owl Creek Pass.

From the South El Punto can be accessed from Matterhorn Creek TH, and longer access from Nelly Creek TH. Both TH are along Engineer Pass Road above Lake City, or by four-wheel drive from Ouray over Engineer Pass.

Red Tape

No Permits are required within the Uncompaghgre Wilderness (formerly know and the Big Blue Wilderness). 'Leave No Trace' ethics are recommended and fire bans are occasional and permanent in marked areas of wilderness areas.

There is a Butterfly preserve in the area banning the taking of any butterfly, as there are rare species that summer annually.

Camping

Owl Creek Pass
Free Camping is abound on both sides of the East, Middle, and West Fork Roads for day hikes.

Matterhorn Creek TH has limited dispersed camping along the road.

Nelly Creek TH

Backpacking sites are best high in the Middle and East Fork Cimarron Basins from 11,000 - 11,800 feet below tree level.


Pay camping can be had at the folling sites:
STATE CITY/TOWN CAMPGROUND NAME SITES RV WASTE
Colorado Cimarron Beaver Lake 10 No
Colorado Cimarron Big Cimarron 12 No
Colorado Cimarron Silver Jack 58 No

Forest Camping.com has a nice overview of camping in the area, and advanced reservations can be made. Link Here:
http://www.forestcamping.com/dow/rockymtn/unc.htm

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Images

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