Celebrate Colorado's 14er conquests with this Uncompahgre Peak Poster by Swell Scenes. Featuring the majestic 14,309-foot summit rising above wildflower meadows and alpine lakes with a camping tent in the foreground, this artwork captures the beauty and adventure of climbing Colorado's sixth-highest peak and the tallest in the San Juan Mountains. Perfect for fourteener climbers, Colorado hikers, San Juan backpackers, and anyone pursuing the legendary quest to summit all 58 of Colorado's 14ers.
Why You'll Love It
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Colorado 14er Pride: Commemorates Uncompahgre Peak, standing at 14,309 feet as Colorado's sixth-highest summit and the crown of the San Juan Mountains—a must-climb for anyone pursuing all 58 fourteeners.
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San Juan Mountain Beauty: Captures the stunning wildflower meadows, alpine lakes, and dramatic peaks that make the San Juans Colorado's most spectacular mountain range for backpacking and camping.
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Perfect 14er Gift: Ideal for climbers who've summited Uncompahgre, Colorado fourteener enthusiasts tracking their 58-peak progress, backpackers, or anyone who loves San Juan wilderness adventures.
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Alpine Camping Scene: Vibrant wildflowers and tent beside pristine mountain lake evoke the magic of Colorado high country camping and the reward of reaching remote fourteener basins.
About Uncompahgre Peak, Colorado Fourteener
Uncompahgre Peak, towering at 14,309 feet (recent re-measurement from previous 14,321 feet), claims the title as Colorado's sixth-highest mountain and the undisputed monarch of the San Juan Mountains. This prominent fourteener rises dramatically from the mining town of Lake City, with its distinctive broad summit plateau and impressive 4,000+ feet of prominence making it visible for miles across southwestern Colorado. The standard route via the southwest ridge offers a challenging but non-technical Class 2 climb covering 7.5 miles round-trip with 3,100 feet of elevation gain, typically starting from Nellie Creek trailhead at 11,400 feet. The name "Uncompahgre" comes from the Ute language meaning "red water spring" or "red lake," referring to the reddish mineral deposits in the area. Colorado's fourteener culture runs deep—with 58 peaks exceeding 14,000 feet (the most of any U.S. state), climbing all 58 fourteeners has become a legendary bucket-list achievement pursued by thousands of Colorado residents and mountain enthusiasts. The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative maintains trails and promotes responsible climbing, while online communities track summit lists and share route conditions. Uncompahgre stands out among the 58 for several reasons: its remote San Juan location offers fewer crowds than Front Range fourteeners like Grays and Torreys, the wildflower displays in July rival anywhere in Colorado, the summit views encompass dozens of other fourteeners including the Wetterhorn and Matterhorn nearby, and the approach through Big Blue Wilderness offers pristine backcountry camping beside alpine lakes. The San Juan Mountains, spanning southwestern Colorado from Durango to Ouray, contain 13 of Colorado's 58 fourteeners and represent the state's most rugged and remote high peaks—volcanic in origin, with dramatic rock spires, lush wildflower meadows fed by summer monsoons, and fewer trails than the more accessible Front Range peaks near Denver. Climbing Uncompahgre typically happens June through September, with July and early August offering peak wildflower season when the alpine basins explode with color—Colorado columbine, king's crown, alpine sunflowers, and dozens of other species carpeting the meadows. The nearby towns of Lake City (quirky mountain village), Ouray (Switzerland of America with hot springs), and Silverton (historic mining town accessed by narrow-gauge railroad) provide gateways to San Juan adventures. Whether you're a fourteener bagger checking peak #27 off your list, a Colorado resident proud of the state's mountain heritage, a backpacker who camps beside Uncompahgre's alpine lakes, a wildflower photographer chasing July blooms, or simply someone inspired by Colorado's high country beauty, Uncompahgre Peak represents the essence of the fourteener experience—challenging climbs, stunning scenery, alpine solitude, and the satisfaction of standing atop one of Colorado's legendary summits. This poster celebrates both the specific achievement of summiting Uncompahgre and the broader Colorado fourteener culture that defines mountain adventure in the Centennial State.
Print & Frame Details
- Premium 189gsm matte paper using archival pigment inks
- Framed options include a 0.75″ (1.9 cm) Ayous wood frame in black, white, or natural
- Lightweight Acrylite front protector and hanging hardware included
- Available in multiple sizes, framed or unframed
- Printed to order to reduce waste and support sustainable practices
Thoughtful Craftsmanship
At Swell Scenes, every print is made to order with museum-quality materials. Our Colorado fourteener series celebrates the 58 legendary peaks and the climbers who pursue them — made for 14er baggers, mountain adventurers, and anyone who loves Colorado's high country.
About Swell Scenes
Swell Scenes turns iconic mountains and climbing achievements into bold, beautiful artwork that fits any space. With a passion for Colorado fourteeners, San Juan wilderness, and mountain adventure, our posters commemorate the peaks and the journeys that define Colorado's outdoor culture.
