Storm King Peak Southwest Ridge

About

Storm King Peak Southwest Ridge is a short, difficult hiking and scrambling route located in Silverton, Colorado, within the Weminuche Wilderness. The trail reaches an elevation of 13,715 feet and spans 0.4 miles. It is classified as difficult due to a sustained Class 3 grade with solid rock, requiring route-finding skills as the path is not heavily marked. Hikers start from Trinity Saddle and follow an obvious trail north that transitions into more vertical rock. The route offers options to stay left (west) if exposure becomes too steep, leading to a catwalk at the summit. Parking is available at the trailhead. The route is accessible year-round, though winter conditions may bring ice and snow. While the technical climb is short enough to complete in roughly 16 minutes, high altitude and steep terrain often extend the time for hikers. The closest vehicle access is via the Beartown/Kite Lake trailhead north of Hunchback Pass, which requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle with good clearance.