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Mount Sneffells Loop, San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Photo by Rich Durnan
RUNNERS: Sara Fuld and Jake Jones of Crested Butte, Colorado
BETA: A 13-mile loop that starts at the Blue Lakes Trailhead and climbs to Blue Lakes Pass then follows the Southwest Ridge route (exposed) to the summit (14,150 feet). Descend to the saddle between Yankee Boy and Blaine basins (Lavender Col) and then down to Blaine Basin and back to the start. This loop works either way, but is described here in the counterclockwise direction. Best in mid-summer when clear of snow.
DIFFICULTY: Difficult with exposure. Approximately 4810 feet in elevation gain to Mount Sneffells summit.
INFO: Colorado’s Fourteeners: From Hikes to Climbs, by Gerry Roach offers access and some route information. See a good trip report for this loop by Chris Ernst.