Route Climbed: Matterhorn Creek - 10,400' Date Climbed: July 27,2001
We started at 7:30am up the trail and it was very easy hiking. We started to hiking away from Wetterhorn so at about 12,000 feet we decided to head west toward Wetterhorn. We found out later that we actually passed the turnoff up to Wetterhorn but it sure wasn’t marked very well. Soon we were at the ridge and knew after this was where the difficult part started. Roaches description of the route is pretty good and we stuck to the route and made it to the flat area just below what’s called the “ships prow”. We dropped our packs and at this point we had to climb up a 10’ rock to get to the top of a big slanted rock slab. There we sat and looked up at the hardest part of the hike. It was the 150’ class III pitch that looked like a big ladder and this was the easiest way to the top. We started climbing up the rock face. The rocks were very stable and I didn’t have any problems finding hand and foot holds. After about 10 minutes we were past the ladder and at the summit. After about ten minutes on the summit we headed back down. Going down was a more difficult than going up but not that bad and I thought that the exposure wasn't there like I've read in other reports.
Route Climbed: Standard Route Date Climbed: July 31, 2002
We started the day with an ascent of nearby Matterhorn which provided excellent views of Wetterhorn and the route we would then follow. Two people in our group skipped Matterhorn and went directly to Wetterhorn. With difficulty we followed their progress through the tundra as they made their way which assisted us in finding a route from Matterhorn over to the ridge on Wetterhorn without too much difficulty. The ascent of Wetterhorn was a blast especially the last 150 foot section. I definitely would like to climb this mountain again. Next time I would like to get on top of the Shark's fin. In retrospect, I don't think it would be that difficult to do and would probably provide a very unique perspective.
Route Climbed: Matterhorn Creek Date Climbed: August 25 2000
Great climb on a scenic mountain in the San Juans. Ledges were fun and felt closer to class 3 than class 4, but I'm sure that's due to the exposure. Lightning chased us from the summit earlier than we had hoped.
Route Climbed: Matterhorn Creek Trail Date Climbed: July 3, 2002
Attempted this amazing San Juan peek the previous day combined with Uncompagre but were forced to turn back due to a nasty lightning storm. As we found out the following day it was a good idea to turn around because the final 3rd class pitch to the summit is one that you don't want to be on with wet conditions unless you are using a rope. The final pitch was however very fun in dry conditions and proved to be one of the most exciting 14ers I've climbed yet. I will certainly return to Wetterhorn to attempt the 4th class ridge from Matterhorn.
Route Climbed: Matterhorn Creek trail Date Climbed: July 4, 2002
The weather started cloudy and threatening, but we went up anyway. It didn't start precipitating until we reached the summit. Downclimbing the summit pitch on fresh corn snow (or whatever you call that stuff) was only mildly disconcerting, but it rained on us all the way down so we were thoroughly soaked by the time we returned to the TH. We were happy to attain another 14er even as the area finally got some much-needed rain.
Route Climbed: standard summer Date Climbed: July 2001
My first fourteener asides pikes peak cog train when I was 10. My brother stopped right before the "keyhole".
Absolutely spectacular. Two groups with ropes on the way down. Did not think was so bad. Uncompahgre seemed worse with all the people on it. I forgot to sign summit log. Adrenalin makes me forget stuff. I guess it was on the side of the little two foot wall. I was pretty nervous after I looked around on top for a while and forgot where I came up.
The hike up the muddy steep trail to the ridge was then scariest part.
Route Climbed: Southeast Ridge from Matterhorn Creek TH Date Climbed: 07-20-00
Another great summer climb, just me and my hubby/hiking buddy, Jay, with just enough challenge from snow, loose rock, and exposure toward the top to make it interesting, and great meadows of wildflowers along the way for beauty. As usual, wonderful panoramic views from the summit!! We had a fine campsite very close to the trailhead so as to get a good early morning start.
Grant - Jan 24, 2003 2:38 pm
Route Climbed: Matterhorn Creek - 10,400' Date Climbed: July 27,2001We started at 7:30am up the trail and it was very easy hiking. We started to hiking away from Wetterhorn so at about 12,000 feet we decided to head west toward Wetterhorn. We found out later that we actually passed the turnoff up to Wetterhorn but it sure wasn’t marked very well. Soon we were at the ridge and knew after this was where the difficult part started. Roaches description of the route is pretty good and we stuck to the route and made it to the flat area just below what’s called the “ships prow”. We dropped our packs and at this point we had to climb up a 10’ rock to get to the top of a big slanted rock slab. There we sat and looked up at the hardest part of the hike. It was the 150’ class III pitch that looked like a big ladder and this was the easiest way to the top. We started climbing up the rock face. The rocks were very stable and I didn’t have any problems finding hand and foot holds. After about 10 minutes we were past the ladder and at the summit. After about ten minutes on the summit we headed back down. Going down was a more difficult than going up but not that bad and I thought that the exposure wasn't there like I've read in other reports.
mtnhiker13 - Dec 11, 2002 6:57 am
Route Climbed: Standard Route Date Climbed: July 31, 2002We started the day with an ascent of nearby Matterhorn which provided excellent views of Wetterhorn and the route we would then follow. Two people in our group skipped Matterhorn and went directly to Wetterhorn. With difficulty we followed their progress through the tundra as they made their way which assisted us in finding a route from Matterhorn over to the ridge on Wetterhorn without too much difficulty. The ascent of Wetterhorn was a blast especially the last 150 foot section. I definitely would like to climb this mountain again. Next time I would like to get on top of the Shark's fin. In retrospect, I don't think it would be that difficult to do and would probably provide a very unique perspective.
rmjwinters - Oct 6, 2002 1:35 pm
Route Climbed: Matterhorn Creek Date Climbed: August 25 2000Great climb on a scenic mountain in the San Juans. Ledges were fun and felt closer to class 3 than class 4, but I'm sure that's due to the exposure. Lightning chased us from the summit earlier than we had hoped.
xskier77 - Jul 5, 2002 6:42 pm
Route Climbed: Matterhorn Creek Trail Date Climbed: July 3, 2002Attempted this amazing San Juan peek the previous day combined with Uncompagre but were forced to turn back due to a nasty lightning storm. As we found out the following day it was a good idea to turn around because the final 3rd class pitch to the summit is one that you don't want to be on with wet conditions unless you are using a rope. The final pitch was however very fun in dry conditions and proved to be one of the most exciting 14ers I've climbed yet. I will certainly return to Wetterhorn to attempt the 4th class ridge from Matterhorn.
Bob Bolton - Jul 5, 2002 4:53 pm
Route Climbed: Matterhorn Creek trail Date Climbed: July 4, 2002The weather started cloudy and threatening, but we went up anyway. It didn't start precipitating until we reached the summit. Downclimbing the summit pitch on fresh corn snow (or whatever you call that stuff) was only mildly disconcerting, but it rained on us all the way down so we were thoroughly soaked by the time we returned to the TH. We were happy to attain another 14er even as the area finally got some much-needed rain.
ChrisChupka - Mar 20, 2002 1:19 pm
Route Climbed: standard summer Date Climbed: July 2001My first fourteener asides pikes peak cog train when I was 10. My brother stopped right before the "keyhole".
Absolutely spectacular. Two groups with ropes on the way down. Did not think was so bad. Uncompahgre seemed worse with all the people on it. I forgot to sign summit log. Adrenalin makes me forget stuff. I guess it was on the side of the little two foot wall. I was pretty nervous after I looked around on top for a while and forgot where I came up.
The hike up the muddy steep trail to the ridge was then scariest part.
Zeke - Jan 16, 2002 7:54 am
Route Climbed: Matterhorn Creek route Date Climbed: October 2001Alot of fun, route finding on top is great!
Peter Eliassen - Aug 16, 2001 7:50 am
Route Climbed: Matterhorn Creek Trail Date Climbed: 8/14/01Enjoy the beautiful views, definitely one of the best views in the state!
theplugger - Apr 6, 2001 2:35 pm
Route Climbed: Southeast Ridge from Matterhorn Creek TH Date Climbed: 07-20-00Another great summer climb, just me and my hubby/hiking buddy, Jay, with just enough challenge from snow, loose rock, and exposure toward the top to make it interesting, and great meadows of wildflowers along the way for beauty. As usual, wonderful panoramic views from the summit!! We had a fine campsite very close to the trailhead so as to get a good early morning start.