Mount Sneffels peak
Mount Sneffels rises to 14,150 ft in San-Juan-Mountains within the San Juan Mountains range.
Standing at an elevation of 14,158 feet (4,315 meters), it is one of Colorado's famed fourteeners. This imposing mountain showcases rugged cliffs, sheer spires, and picturesque alpine meadows, captivating adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
During the winter season, Mount Sneffels receives a significant amount of snowfall, contributing to its allure for winter sports enthusiasts. The snowpack range can vary depending on the specific year, with depths often exceeding 200 inches (5 meters) in the higher elevations. This abundant snowpack provides ample opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, attracting winter adventurers from around the world.
Mount Sneffels is also known for its notable creeks and rivers that receive runoff from its melting snowpack. Although specific creeks and rivers may vary, some commonly mentioned include Cow Creek, Dallas Creek, and the Uncompahgre River. These waterways not only add to the mountain's scenic beauty but also provide important resources for surrounding ecosystems and local communities.
The origin of the name "Sneffels" remains a subject of debate and intriguing folklore. Some sources suggest it may have been derived from Jules Verne's novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth," where "Sneffels" refers to a volcanic mountain in Iceland. Others propose that the name comes from the Old Norse word "snjofjall," meaning "snow mountain." Regardless of its origin, Mount Sneffels continues to captivate adventurers who seek to conquer its challenging slopes and immerse themselves in its rich history and natural splendor.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the San-Juan-Mountains range.
Snowpack near Mount Sneffels
Snow water equivalent and snowpack depth at SNOTEL stations near the peak. Best proxy for what's currently sitting on the summit.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | View |
|---|---|---|
| Lizard Head Pass | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Vallecito | 7 in | → |
| Park Reservoir | 18 in | → |
| Park Reservoir | 18 in | → |
| Vallecito | 7 in | → |
| Nohrsc El Diente Peak | 1 in | → |
| Columbine Pass | 2 in | → |
| Nohrsc Red Mountain Pass | 1 in | → |
| Cascade #2 | 19 in | → |
| Nohrsc Mc Clure Pass | 1 in | → |
| El Diente Peak | 1 in | → |
| Sharkstooth | 1 in | → |
Streamflow near Mount Sneffels
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Animas River Near Cedar Hill | 882 cfs | → |
| San Juan River Near Carracas | 689 cfs | → |
| Los Pinos River At La Boca | 69 cfs | → |
| Salt Creek Near Oxford | -888 cfs | → |
| Piedra River Near Arboles | 309 cfs | → |
| Spring Creek At La Boca | 40 cfs | → |
| Florida River At Bondad | -888 cfs | → |
Plan around incoming weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column -- snow at this elevation typically lags the radar signature by a few hours.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
What's around Mount Sneffels
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Mount Sneffels.
Ski areas
- Howelsen Hill Ski Area
- Kendall Mountain
- Aspen Highlands
- Hogadon Ski Area
- Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area
- Copper Mountain Resort
River runs
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