Overview
UN 13106 Nellie Point
Unnamed 13106, unofficially also known as
"Nellie Point" sits just above the Nellie Creek Trailhead. This trailhead is very popular since it provides access for 14er
Uncompahgre Peak.
The hike is pleasant, most of the hike is on a trail and can be done out and back in 3 hrs. The last section of the hike is on steep grass and then some talus. The summit ridge is spectacular and the views are fantastic. The peak combines well with Uncompahgre or with other Unnamed 13ers in the area. I chose to connect it with UN 13091 and UN 13158.
UN 13106 is located within
Uncompahgre Wilderness. Why Unnamed? There are so many peaks in the San Juan Mountain Range and many are unnamed, but ranked and beautiful peaks.
Class: 2
Colorado Rank: 564
Parent Lineage:
Line Parent:
Uncompahgre Peak
Proximate Parent:
13158
Nearby Peaks:
Getting There
From Lake City, take Gunnison Avenue/CO 149 South for 0.3 mile and turn right onto First Street, the go 0.1 mile and turn left onto Henson Creek Road, CR 2, well signed for Engineer Pass. The road becomes unpaved
Alpine Loop Scenic Byway. Drive 5.1 miles and bear right at the sign for Nellie Creek Road, FSR#877. This turn off is well marked and high clearance 4WD vehicles are needed from here. The Nellie Creek trailhead is 4 miles up this rough road, there are a couple of shallow creek dressings.
Nellie Creek Trailhead has elevation of 11,460 feet.
Walking up Nellie Creek road will add 8 miles round trip and 2115 feet gain.
Route
UN 13106 Nellie Point
UN 13106 Nellie Point Follow a nice trail from Nellie Creek Basin, well signed for Uncompahgre Peak. After about 1mile the trail splits and a bigger trail continues for the 14er Uncompahgre and a smaller trail turns right. It is signed for Big Blue Creek. Take this trail for Big Blue Creek and follow it as it ascends through switchbacks into the saddle. Leave the trail here and follow grassy slopes in eastern directions. The slopes steepen up and higher up became rocky. The talus here is relatively stable. Follow the ridge until you see the summit cairn. Enjoy the views.
There was a glass summit register and a nice cairn as of 2018.
You can either return the same way or continue onto another Unnamed 13er - UN 13091.
Red Tape
There are no fees for driving the 4 WD road, hiking and parking are free.
Group size is limited to no more than 15 people.
Camping is prohibited within 100 feet of any lake, stream, or trail.
Campfires are prohibited at the following locations:
1. within 100 feet of any lake, stream, or trail
2. above treeline
Caching equipment, personal property, or supplies for longer than 7 days is prohibited.
Dogs must be under direct verbal control or leashed at all times.
Do not cut switchbacks.
Collecting or capturing butterflies is prohibited between June 1 and August 30 each year.
When to Climb
Summer and early autumn are obviously the easiest time to travel. Winter - watch out for avalanche conditions. Also, expect a longer approach since the rough 4WD road up Nellie Creek road will be closed.
Camping
There are several primitive campsites along the Nellie Creek Road, some are really nice by a stream. There is also camping available close to the trailhead and there is a vault toilet at the trailhead.
There are developed campgrounds and facilities in Lake City.
External Links