Mount Sneffels

Mount Sneffels is a mountain summit in the San Juan Mountains rising to about 4,300 meters (14,150 feet). It features multiple climbing routes through varied terrain with steep cliffs and different conditions along the way.

The first documented ascent of Mount Sneffels happened in 1874 by members of the Hayden Survey team. This climb marked the start of the mountain's recorded climbing history.

The peak's name comes from Snaefell volcano in Iceland, which Jules Verne featured in his novel Journey to the Center of the Earth. The mountain carries this literary connection that many visitors recognize and find meaningful.

Reaching Mount Sneffels requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle to get to Yankee Boy Basin, the main starting point for summit attempts. The best time to climb is during summer months when conditions are most favorable.

Mount Sneffels appears on Colorado driver's licenses and state identification cards as one of the range's most recognizable peaks. The choice to feature it on these official documents reflects its importance to local identity.

Location: Ouray County

Elevation above the sea: 4,312 m

GPS coordinates: 38.00379,-107.79227

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:23