Overview
The Rio Grande Pyramid rises inthe distance on a glorious San Juan Day Photo by SP member skibumm
The Rio Grande Pyramid. The distinctive name commands awe and respect. One’s first view of the mountain is a moving experience. Lonely in its remoteness, alluring in its mystery, the Rio Grande Pyramid is the highest sentinel in Colorado’s eastern San Juan mountains. Seen from just about every high point surrounding it, the Pyramid quietly calls to the souls of those who truly love the mountains and cherish the peace and solitude they offer. For the intrepid explorer, the Pyramid will not disappoint. One’s first trip to this enchanted peak will be a blessing of wild beauty, an exciting sense of venturing into the unknown. This is Colorado as it was long ago, a haven of pristine wilderness on a grand scale that few other places in the state can offer.
Located along the south ridge of the Pyramid is the Window, a unique and wonderful place. A notch in a towering ridge of volcanic tuff, the Window offers a fantastic framed view to the west of the mighty Needle and Grenadier ranges. These jagged peaks of the western San Juan are as wild and remote as Colorado gets. Seeing them from this vantage is a rare privilege, for the Window and the Pyramid are rarely visited. The pictures on this page are a wonderful testament to the beauty of the expansive Weminuche Wilderness, but to be there fills one with the joyous reality that you are alive. If your schedule allows, make time to visit the Window.
The Rio Grande Pyramid is best climbed as a multi-day backpack trip to enjoy the grandeur of the Weminuche Wilderness. The trip can be done in a very long day, and the lower sections can be covered quickly, but you’ll feel it at sundown. This is a 22 mile outing in the heart of the Weminuche Wilderness. Consider your condition and ability before deciding on which approach is best for you and your group.
TOPOZONE MAP
View looking into the western San Juan from The Window |
Above photo by SP member Colonelpyat
Getting ThereLaunching point is from either the remote towns of Creede or Lake City, in southwest Colorado. Lake City serves as a launching point to many summits in the San Juans. Creede is located in the vast Rio Grande Valley and serves as entry point to the San Juans from the east. Colorado Highway 149 accesses both towns from Highway 50 north of Lake City, and Highway 160 south and southeast of Creede.
From the bridge south of Creede, go west on Colorado 149 20.5 miles to the Rio Grande Reservoir Road. From Lake City, go 32 miles south on Colorado 149 to the Rio Grande Reservoir Road (also known as Forest Service Road 520). Measure from this well marked junction. Stay left at .5 mile, left at 3.4 miles, passing Road Canyon Reservoir campground at 4.6 miles. At 5.9 miles, continue straight (left) passing River Hill Campground. At 10.8 miles, arrive at 30 Mile Campground, leaving FSR 520 with a left turn and crossing the Rio Grande River. Go along the north side of 30 Mile Campground to trailhead parking on the north side of the road. The trail starts 120 yards to the south. For the approach and route on the mountain, see the East Slopes description in the ROUTE SECTION (upper left).
Acknowledgement: Some details and updated information taken from “Colorado’s Thirteeners-From Hikes to Climbs” by Gerry and Jennifer Roach. This is an excellent guide book from Colorado’s world class climbing couple. Highly recommended!
Red TapeThe Rio Grande Pyramid is in the Weminuche Wilderness. Please observe wilderness protocols when visiting this great mountain.
When To ClimbSummer and fall months are best.
Normal winters result in great accumulations of snow. Because of the hiking distance involved, a spring or winter outing would take on expedition proportions. Early spring will result in muddy conditions on the trail, which is used heavily by horse outfitters and livestock drivers in the Weminuche Pass area. Crossings of great snowfields will be necessary above Weminuche Pass. Take appropriate gear and clothes.
A winter excursion is an ambitious undertaking. The described route crosses south facing slopes, avalanche danger is considerable on the approach and on the mountain itself. An account of such an endeavor would be interesting to read, and a submission to this page by someone who has accomplished this feat is encouraged. However, a winter excursion to the Rio Grande Pyramid is not recommended.
CampingEstablished Forest Service campgrounds offer many choices for a variety of camping methods along the Rio Grande Reservoir road (FSR 520). These fee campgrounds have many units and facilities.
From Highway 149, the National Forest campgrounds on FSR 520 are Road Canyon Reservoir, River Hill, Lower Piedra and Thirty Mile.
Rio Grande National Forest
Box 40
Del Norte, Colorado 81132
(719) 657-3321
Mountain ConditionsRio Grande Pyramid is in the heart of the Weminuche Wilderness. This mountain is just about as remote as you can get. Any information concerning mountain conditions should be considered as an estimate at best.
Creede and Central San Juan Weather
GOES Western US Satellite ImageExternal Links- Local weather
Rio Grande Valley forecasts below and above 10,000 feet
Images
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San Juan Range
