Due to its striking appearance (a very steep, narrow horn of rock when seen from the west and east) it is one of the best-known mountains in the Allgäu Alps.

Together with the Mädelegabel (2,645 m) and the Hochfrottspitze (2,649 m) it forms the often admired triumvirate of mountains rising above Einödsbach.

The Trettachspitze was first climbed in 1855 by the brothers Urban, Alois and Mathias Jochum from the Birgsau in the Stillach valley.

The usual ascents are the UIAA grade II approach on the northwestern arête, or the frequently used crossing of the northeast and northwestern arêtes using safety equipment which is UIAA grade III in places.

However the only ones that are regularly used are the Schwarzer Riß (grade V+), Spiel der Geister (VII) and The show must go on (VI) on the western face.