Sixty Highest Peaks in the Elk Range

Cathedral Peak, the highest 13er in the Elk Range

The Elk Range is one of Colorado's most spectacular. It is home to some of our state's most breathtakingly beautiful (and breathtakingly dangerous) mountains. There are five ranked 14ers in the Elk Range, including some mega-classics like Maroon Peak and Capitol Peak. But there is a bevy of lower, also amazing peaks in this relatively small range. The following list takes a close look at this gem of a range, compiling its sixty highest "ranked" peaks. This covers every peak with over 300' of topographical prominence between 12,878' and 14,265'.

This would be a very focused, yet, impressive list of mountains to climb. The Elk Range is notorious for its rotten rock and treacherous exposure. As a group these peaks have attracted a large number of accidents in the past. The Maroon Bells are the main culprit, though Snowmass Mountain, Capitol Peak, and Thunder Pyramid have had a number of fatalities as well. Tread lightly in this beautiful but deadly range.

There are two class 4 peaks, 13 class 3 peaks, 42 class 2 peaks, and three class 1 peaks on this list.

(Note: elevations are given via the classic and familiar 1929 Sea Level Datum)

Peak Name	Elevation	Rank	Difficulty easiest route (YDS)
Castle Peak	14,265'	12	class 2
Maroon Peak	14,156'	24	class 3
Capitol Peak	14,130'	29	class 4
Snowmass Mountain	14,092'	31	class 3
Pyramid Peak	14,018'	47	class 4
Cathedral Peak	13,943'	62	class 3
"Thunder Pyramid"	13,932'	65	class 3
Hagerman Peak	13,841'	88	class 2
"Castleabra"	13,803'	105	class 2
"Lightning Pyramid"	13,722'	137	class 3
“Electric Pass Peak”	13,635'	177	class 2
Point 13,631	13,631'	180	class 3
Clark Peak	13,580'	200	class 3
Point 13,550	13,550'	220	class 2
White Rock Mountain	13,540'	224	class 2
Point 13,537	13,537'	230	class 2
Treasure Mountain	13,528'	235	class 2
Star Peak	13,521'	242	class 2
Keefe Peak	13,516'	245	class 2
Hunter Peak	13,497'	257	class 2
Treasury Mountain	13,462'	278	class 2
Sleeping Sexton	13,460'	283	class 3
Taylor Peak	13,435'	294	class 2
“Siberia Peak”	13,420'	306	class 3
Hilliard Peak	13,409'	313	class 2
White Benchmark	13,401'	320	class 2
Precarious Peak	13,380'	332	class 3
“Triangle Peak"	13,380'	335	class 2
Italian Mountain	13,378'	337	class 2
Buckskin Benchmark	13,370'	343	class 2
Pearl Mountain	13,362'	348	class 2
Malamute Peak	13,348'	354	class 2
Point 13,336	13,336'	365	class 2
“Oyster Peak”	13,312'	383	class 2
Mt. Daly	13,300'	394	class 2
Point 13,260	13,260'	433	class 2
Point 13,244	13,244'	444	class 2
Belleview Mountain	13,233'	450	class 2
"Cassi Peak"	13,232'	452	class 2
Point 13,216	13,216'	470	class 2
Teocalli Mtn	13,208'	477	class 1
Point 13,180	13,180'	503	class 2
Point 13,162	13,162'	513	class 2
Willoughby Mtn	13,142'	532	class 2
Point 13,140	13,140'	533	class 2
Point 13,062	13,062'	599	class 2
Point 13,060	13,060'	602	class 3
Mount Owen	13,058'	603	class 2
Point 13,039	13,039'	615	class 3
West Elk Peak	13,035'	617	class 1
Point 13,020	13,020'	627	class 1
Purple Mountain	12,958'	662	class 2
Mt. Sopris	12,954'	668	class 2
Point 12,942	12,942'	677	class 2
Point 12,940	12,940'	684	class 2
Point 12,934	12,934'	689	class 2
"Trail Rider Peak"	12,931'	695	class 2
Point 12,903	12,903'	712	class 3
Point 12,902	12,902'	714	class 2
“Christiana Peak”	12,878'	733	class 2

RELATED ARTICLES

-The Ranked 14er's
-Centennial Peaks (100 Highest)
-The 200 Highest
-Colorado's Most Prominent Mountains

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Hot Route: Thomas Lakes (Mount Sopris)

INTRO

Mount Sopris seen from the north

Mount Sopris is probably one of the most picturesque and most frequently climbed 12,000-foot peaks in the state, certainly in the west slope. Despite clocking in at only 12,953 feet, Sopris is a powerful mountain. When viewed from the north it has astonishing prominence, towering more than 6,000 feet above the valley floor below. Another unique feature of Mount Sopris is that each of its twin summits measure in at exactly the same elevation, creating a sort of conundrum for peak baggers. Many choose to just stand on the east summit, which is logical when climbing the standard Thomas Lakes route, as it is the first summit you come to. I would strongly suggest, however, making the out-and-back to the west summit, which provides a better view of Glenwood and allows you the confidence knowing that you truly toured this magnificent peak's amazing top.

DIRECTIONS
From the intersection of Highway 133 and Main Street in Carbondale, follow Hwy 133 south for about 1.6 miles and turn left (east) on Prince Creek Rd. After cruising through some small open ranch properties, continue along the road as it veers east. Veer right at a confusing, triangle-shaped intersection about 7.8 miles after the 133/Main Street intersection. Continue along the narrowing dirt road for a little less than two more miles to a large parking lot with a bathroom on the left. It should be passable in the summer for most passenger cars though some clearance might be recommended. Can be tough in the winter.

ROUTES
Thomas Lakes

Storm over Sopris from the meadow at 9,500 feet

This is the standard route and though there are several more rugged possibilities on the peak's south and west aspects, 99.9% of summer ascents on Mount Sopris are done this way. It can be done in one day though a night at the beautiful Thomas Lakes makes hauling a light backpack well worth it. Start up the wide trail up a mild incline for .6 miles to the first major switchback. At mile 1 the trail turns south and emerges from the trees shortly after. At mile 1.4 you reach a common "shortcut" that climbs directly south up a steeper slopes. This shortcut cuts off a large switchback. Taking the shortcut will save you almost half a mile and both have a well-beaten trail. Taking the old road, however, you will wind around a hill, and climb up a short steep section to reach a meadow at mile 2. There is a beautiful view of the mountain from here at 9,500 feet. Ahead you re-enter the trees and wind though a beautiful aspen-pine area with a trickling stream. At mile 3.4 you reach the first pond, and at mile 3.7 you reach the first lake. There are several number campsites in this area.

Mount Sopris from Thomas Lakes

Hike between and around Thomas Lakes and follow the well-defined trail as it switchbacks up a hill and reaches the northeast ridge proper at 10,600 feet. The trees are noticeably thinning here and you will get the feeling you are nearing treeline. The trail levels out briefly before starting up the meat of the climb. Pick your way through the talus along the beaten path as the route steepens. Some amazing views of capitol open to the southeast. Pass the hardest steepest section (class 2) at mile 5.7 (~12,000 feet), veer westerly, still following the beaten climber's trail and the ridge. Bypass a false summit on the left (south) to reach a spot we always called "the Grassy Knoll," a peaceful patch of flat grass at 12,400 feet. There isn't much left so we always took advantage of a good rest here.

Follow the ramp up mostly stable talus as it makes the final climb to a bump at 12,900 feet. You are very close. Hike another .15  of a mile (6.6 miles total) gradually up to the east summit. Enjoy the view.

The final ramp to the East summit

For those that want to get the full twin-summit Sopris experience, be prepared to add 1.5 miles and 560 feet of total elevation gain onto your already lengthy day. From the east summit, hike .3 miles to the 12,660-foot saddle between the two summits (making it just shy of qualifying as two separate "ranked" peaks), and back up 280 feet and .35 miles to the west summit. Pat yourself on the back. Though you may feel tired, take heart knowing you got the full Sopris experience.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Part of the route lies in the Snowmass-Maroon Bells Wilderness Area and special wilderness regulations apply. Please only camp in the designated and numbered spots around the lakes. There are some very good sites here and if you are climbing the peak on a weekend or any day when there is a chance that all of these sites might be full, get there early or consider doing just the single day method.

LINKS
Mount Sopris: A Mountain and a Totem- A look back on my first climb of Mount Sopris, a summit that launched my mountain-climbing career.

 Just Say No! to John Denver Peak- an article against the fizzled-out movement to rename the East summit of Mount Sopris John Denver Peak

Visit THE ARCHIVE: A list of most of our articles sorted by department

Copyright notice: This website and all its contents are the intellectual property of www.coloradomountaineering.com and its authors. None of the content can be used or reproduced without the approval of www.coloradomountaineering.com.
Climbing and mountaineering are dangerous!! Please see the DISCLAIMER page For information about how to contact us, visit this link