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This is the standard route up the south side of Sneffels from Yankee Boy Basin.


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Map Key

2.7

Miles

4.4

KM

Ascent

14,034' 4,278 m

High

11,364' 3,464 m

Low

2,670' 814 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

19%

Avg Slope (11°)

87%

Max Slope (41°)
Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Description

Start parked at the trailhead where the bathroom is. Skin or hike up the trail following the standard route which is a road up into the basin. You'll pass a series of signs at the upper trailhead with information signs and a sign-in log.

Keep going, and you'll see what looks like Sneffels on the right, but it is a false summit. Continue around this to the left and you'll be able to see Sneffels once you pass this gnarly summit.

Once you are at the base of Sneffles, Lavender Col. is the huge, somewhat steep snow slope that heads up to the saddle on the right of the mountain. At the saddle, look left and follow the much steeper upper Col. to the summit. Be careful at the top of this steep Col. because a large cornice changes over the other side, and if you walk up to look around the corner you could fall. Instead, about 30' below the top of the Col. head left over the rocks and this will take you to the summit.

Ice axes are recommended for the upper Col., especially if the snow is hard. Crampons will also be required, so be careful if the snow is hard - people die up there. If you fall in the upper Col., you'll keep going to the base of the entire mountain without an effective arrest.

Contacts

Shared By:

CaseyE Eales

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 4 votes

#345

Overall
  3.0 from 4 votes
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Ascent Rankings

#118

in Colorado

#345

Overall
8 Views Last Month
913 Since Jun 15, 2015
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Photos

Heading up Lavender Col.
Jun 15, 2015 near Telluride, CO
Skiing the chute above Lavender Col
Nov 28, 2018 near Telluride, CO
View of the upper Col. from the saddle
Jun 15, 2015 near Telluride, CO
Looking down Lavender Col.
Jul 29, 2015 near Telluride, CO

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