Mount Elbert
| Height: 4401.2 m, (14,440 feet) |
Tallest Mountain in Colorado: Located in the Rocky Mountains, Mount Elbert stands at 14,440 feet above sea level. It is part of the Sawatch Range, a long line of vaulted peaks that form the Continental Divide. It is also home to numerous native animals, such as elk, bighorn sheep, marmots, turkeys, and pikas.
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Moreover, the name of Mount Elbert comes from Colorado governor Samuel Hitt Elbert. He was the first person to climb the peak. However, the first documented attempt was made by Zebulon Pike. Although the route is incredibly difficult, the summit offers spectacular views. Hence, the climb is approximately twelve miles round-trip and involves a 4,500 foot elevation gain. During the winter, the peak is capped with snow. There are also snow-filled crevices near the summit.
Image source – Google | Image by – google
Furthermore, The mountain is part of the Rocky Mountains and is one of the largest collections of mountains in the world. Although, the highest elevation is 14,440 feet above sea level. The mountain is located in the White River National Forest. At this point, It has a 4.5 mile trail to the summit.
Mount Massive: Tallest Mountain in Colorado
| Height: 4,398 m, (14,428 feet) |
While Mount Elbert is one of the most popular fourteeners, it is not the highest mountain in the state. The other highest peak is Mount Massive, which is a bit smaller at 14,429 feet. There are five distinct summits on Mount Massive. This mountain is a popular hiking destination. There are many different hiking routes to reach the peak, and the hike can be a challenging one. The route is also extremely steep and dangerous, and the climb requires a good deal of risk.
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Moreover, several other Colorado peaks exceed 14,000 feet in elevation. Hence, these mountains offer breathtaking views and offer an incredible sense of accomplishment. Although, the weather in Colorado can be unpredictable. There are many mountains in the southern Rocky Mountains that have peaks over 14,000 feet.
Longs Peak and Mount Williamson
| Longs peak Height: 4,346 m, (14,258 feet) |
| Mount Williamson Height: 4,383 m, (14,379 feet) |
Furthermore, Sangre de Cristo Mountains refers to the southern sub-range of the Rocky Mountains. Although, there are two peaks that surpass 14,000 feet: Longs Peak and Mount Williamson. However, Longs Peak is southwest of Loveland, Colo. The route to the summit involves climbing at times, but the climb is fairly straightforward. Mount Williamson is located in the Inyo National Forest, and is much harder to access.
Longs Peak
Image source – Google | Image by – nps.gov
Mount Williamson
Image source – Google | Image by – mtwilliamsonmotel
The Southern Rockies ranges are much higher than the Middle Rockies. The Rio Grande River flows from Colorado to the Gulf of Mexico. Although, this river is significant, and uplifted mountains can rise by up to 9,000 feet. Moreover, The Rio Grande Rift has created the Colorado highlands and the most recent glaciation ended about 7,500 years ago.
La Plata Peak: Tallest Mountain in Colorado
| Height: 4,377 m, (14,360 feet) |
Another fifth tallest mountain in Colorado is La Plata Peak. Although, it is part of the Rocky Mountains and is about twelve miles from Aspen. Moreover, granite that makes up this mountain is around 1.8 billion years old. As well as that, it has silver deposits. Hence, the mountain is one of the most popular destinations in the state.
Image source – Google | Image by – peakery
The state of Colorado has more than fifty mountains that are over 14,000 feet in elevation. Hence, these mountains are commonly referred to as “fourteeners.” However, in Colorado, 59 locations qualify as 14,000-footers.
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