San Miguel Peak - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

There's no shortage of things to do when you're at San Miguel Peak in Colorado. For starters, the views from the peak are absolutely stunning. You can see for miles in every direction, and it's a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also hike to the top of the peak. It's a moderate to difficult hike, but it's definitely worth it for the views. And, of course, you can't visit San Miguel County without doing some skiing or snowboarding. There are several nearby resorts that offer great skiing and snowboarding conditions. So whether you're looking for a peaceful place to take in the scenery or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, San Miguel Peak is the perfect spot.

San Miguel Peak is a summit in the San Miguel Mountains in San Miguel County, Colorado. The peak is named for Saint Michael the Archangel, who is said to have appeared on the mountain in 1640. The first recorded ascent of the peak was made by members of the Dominguez-Escalante expedition in 1776. In 1858, a party led by Judge John Lewis Petit made the first attempt to climb the peak from its east side. Petit and his party were forced to turn back just below the summit due to bad weather. It wasn't until 1873 that members of the Hayden Survey successfully climbed to the top of San Miguel Peak. Today, the summit can be reached via a number of different hiking trails. Despite its relatively low elevation, San Miguel Peak is considered one of the more challenging summits in Colorado due to its steepness and isolated location.

The best time to visit San Miguel Peak is during the summer months, when the weather is warmer and the trails are less crowded. However, visitors should be aware that lightning activity is common in the area, so it is important to check the forecast before embarking on a hike.

1. San Miguel Peak is the highest point in the San Miguel range, and at 14,487 feet it's no easy hike. Be sure to prepare for altitude sickness and bring plenty of water.
2. Once you start the hike, you'll quickly gain elevation. Take your time and take breaks when you need to. The air is thinner at high altitudes, so it's easy to get tired quickly.
3. The last mile or so is the most challenging, with a steep incline and loose rock underfoot. But the views from the summit are worth it!
4. On your way back down, be careful not to let your guard down. The trails can be slippery and it's easy to lose your footing.
5. San Miguel Peak is located in a high-altitude area, so be sure to drink plenty of water and take breaks often.
6. Remember to pack out all your trash - Leave No Trace principles apply here just as they do anywhere else in nature.

1. San Miguel Peak is the second highest peak in the San Miguel county, Colorado. The peak is located in the San Juan Mountains, and has an elevation of 14,159 feet.
2. Due to its remote location, San Miguel Peak is one of the less-frequented peaks in Colorado. 
3. The standard route for climbing the peak is via the Northwest Ridge, which is considered to be a moderate hike.
4.  The views from the summit are spectacular, with Mount Sneffels, Wetterhorn Peak, and Uncompahgre Peak all visible on a clear day.
5. In addition to hiking and climbing, popular activities in the Lizard Head Wilderness Area include fishing, horseback riding, and camping.

The peak can be reached via a variety of hiking trails, and most people take between 4 and 6 hours to reach the summit. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow, but it does require a certain amount of fitness and stamina to complete. 

The summit can be reached by a number of different trails, but the most popular route is via the Bear Creek trail. The Bear Creek trailhead is located just off of Highway 550, and from there, it is a 5.2-mile hike to the top of San Miguel Peak. The trail climbs steadily for the first few miles, but the last mile is a steep scramble over rocks and talus.

There is no entrance fee to explore the peak, but there is a small parking fee if you plan to park in the designated lot. 

The peak is located in San Miguel County and is open to the public from sunrise to sunset.