Humboldt Peak Elevation: 14064 ft / 4287 m

Humboldt Peak Overview

Humboldt Peak rests 1.5 mile northeast of its more famous neighbors, Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak. These conglomerate peaks reside within Colorado's linear Sangre de Christo Range. This fantastic stretch of mountains starts where the big and bulky Sawatch Range ends, just south of Salida, Colorado. Continuing south for 220 miles into New Mexico, the Sangre's host some of Colorado's more adventurous climbing. In contrast to the class 3,4,and 5 climbing within the Crestone Group, Humboldt offers a class 2 hike. The standard West Ridge route is a perfect introduction for hiking Colorado's famous fourteeners. Although not technically difficult, Humboldt requires a long approach and plenty of vertical (4,464 ft.). Be in shape so you can really enjoy this epic hike into a beautiful basin.

Humboldt Pk was named after Alexander von Humboldt who was a famous geographer, traveler, explorer, and mountaineer. The name was given by the miners in 1874.

Longs Peak Elevation: 14259 ft / 4346 m

Overview

Long's Peak stands proudly as Colorado's northernmost fourteener. It is unquestionably the monarch of the Front Range and northern Colorado. It is not only the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park and Boulder County, but it is also the 15th highest peak in Colorado. It's close proximity to Denver and its pure majesty make it the most popular climbing mountain in the state. The Keyhole Route is the most climbed route of any fourteener route in the state and is a true classic climb. It is not uncommon to have over 100 people on the summit at a time on a busy summer weekend, and long lines of people following each other up and down the mountain, often too close for comfort. The Keyhole route will attract several thousand climbers every summer. Routes up the mountain range from the Class 3 Keyhole to the Hornsby's Direct Route rated at 5.8. There are several trailheads, but most routes and variations start from the Long's Peak Trailhead.

Mount of the Holy Cross Elevation: 14005 ft / 4269 m

One of Colorado's best known 14ers, the legendary Mount of the Holy Cross is famous for the east facing cross couloir, which fills with snow and forms a well defined cross. Erosion has made the cross less defined in the last 100 years. First discovered in 1869, it became the destination of Christian pilgrimages early in the 20th century, and continues to sport a colorful history that persists to this day.

The mountain is only 14 miles from the Vail ski area, and can be seen from a number of vantages, but for an intimate look at the mountain's namesake cross on the east face, one must climb up and over neighboring Notch Mountain to see it. There are two common routes to the top - Halfmoon Pass or Notch Mountain combined with Halo Ridge - both are Class 2 climbs. They can be combined into a loop for a very long day trek. A Class 3 steep snow and ice climb up the Cross Couloir is another route possibility for those looking for a moderate technical challenge. Angelica Couloir and Tear Drop are excellent alternate routes that still require going over Notch Mountain.

Mount of the Holy Cross was once a National Monument, but lost this status in the 50s. The area and the mountain became a wilderness during the 70s. The Holy Cross Wilderness is one of Colorado's shining jewels of nature's majesty. Unparalleled beauty adorns this beautiful plae of solitude, which teems with wildlife and flows free with an abundance of water.