Fuller Peak

Route: Northwest ridge
Posted On: 7/7/2025, By: jfm3
Info: I climbed Fuller on July 5 via the Ice Lake Basin approach, Vermilion saddle and northwest ridge. The trail is dry to Ice Lake. The trail to Fuller Lake is occasionally deep mud and crosses some running water. The southeast face/bowl below the Vermilion-Fuller saddle is still completely covered with snow. It is in good condition- solid enough for secure ice axe and crampon placement, but not so icy that only the points dig in. There is a slight cornice at the top of the face, and the very top of this cornice (about 3 feet) is vertical. I used 2 axes as anchors on top of the cornice and kicked a few steps up and over the edge, like a ladder. This worked for both the ascent and descent. The northwest ridge to the summit is dry. See my Vermilion Peak report for July 5 2025 for pictures of the snowfield. 

Route: Ice Lakes
Posted On: 7/26/2024, By: JasonKline
Info: Summer conditions with no snow or ice 

Route: Ice Lakes Basin Approach - with Vermilion
Posted On: 9/4/2023, By: sarahmariekirk
Info: Climbed Fuller today with Vermilion Peak from Fuller Lake; we backpacked into Ice Lakes Basin and additionally climbed: V2, V4 and Us Grant - see peak condition reports separately. Fuller was relatively straightforward; the gully up to the saddle between Vermilion and Fuller is loose scree but relatively stable for San Juan rock. From the saddle, its a straightforward jaunt to the summit of Fuller with a few false summits. I now expect loose rock - dinner plate talus with scree - on any SJ peak. Regardless, it was a fun peak with stunning views. Vermilion is only 0.6 from Fuller - it took us about 45 minutes from the summit of Fuller to the summit of Vermilion - so dont hesitate to get both! 

Route: From Lake Hope trail
Posted On: 9/5/2021, By: ScottLovesRMNP
Info: Roach's route is spot on. There are more use trails cut through the steep scree than I was expecting, which really made it easier. 

Route: From Vermilion Peak
Posted On: 8/24/2020, By: supranihilest
Info: From the Vermilion/Fuller saddle head up Class 2 talus on a notable trail to the summit of Fuller. 

Route: Ice Lake
Posted On: 7/18/2020, By: dwoodward13
Info: Avoidable snow leading up to the Fuller-Vermillion saddle. There is remnants of a a cornice that can be bypassed climbers right. Headed to Fuller first, then back to Vermilion. Pretty well marked route. Headed down the saddle contouring to the shelf toward the Vermilion-Golden Horn saddle. Some snow on the shelf but no need to traction. Route up Golden is easy to find. We descended a grassy ramp below the saddle back to lower terrain. 

Route: Vermillion
Posted On: 10/14/2019, By: angry
Info: Summer conditions. Completely dry from the Fuller/Vermillion saddle, easy ridge walk to summit. 

Route: North Ridge
Posted On: 5/14/2011, By: Wyoming Bob
Info: Road clear to South Mineral Trailhead, campground not yet open, 90% snow through 12 switchbacks, 90% on traverse trail, then 100% snow up to Ice Lake Basin, in basin and above to base of Vermillion, Golden Horn and Fuller, snow deep and soft early in the day, multiple wet sloughs from outcrop bases, Fuller ridge mixed snow and standard loose rock, connecting ridge to Vermillion corniced but for near Fuller, Vermillion Dollar Couloir overhung by large cornice, snow went bad by 10 a.m., snowshoes were a must unless one wishes to sink to hips by mid day.