The mountains and valleys are sculpted by volcanoes and glaciers. Hiking , Climbing With a low point at 8,400 feet, the wilderness becomes snow free in spots by early June. At the higher elevations, snow persists into July and comes again by early October. Summer thunderstorms and winter snows generate 25 to 40 inches of precipitation annually. The water feeds wildflowers in late summer.
Autumn is spectacular with golden aspen and the bugling of the elk in rut.
Hiking I have approached the Uncompahgre Wilderness from both east and west and both have offered spectacular hikes. For all-encompassing vistas across a vast wilderness, the Uncompahgre Peak trail is unsurpassed in my mind. Here are a few favorites. Turn north for 4 miles to the trailhead. The trail to Uncompahgre is across open tundra.