![]() For the casual visitor and photographer, the obvious area trophy peaks are the famous Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak, both accessible by a non-wilderness, paved road to Maroon Lake. It is the granddaddy place to be in the Elk Range. The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area in central Colorado offers up some of the finest and most photographed scenery in Colorado. Later in 1980, it took the efforts of Aspen conservationists to expand the area to include such notable landmarks as Mount Sopris, Castle Peak, and the lower reaches of Conundrum Creek valley. The first piece of legislature encompassed only the most rugged core of the range. In 1964, Congress recognized the obvious wilderness value of the Elk Mountains, and the Maroon Bells Snowmass wilderness was one of the original five Colorado wilderness areas designated by the Wilderness Act. Expand the image by clicking on the "Expand to regular size" (original size)icon on the bottom right of the image. Once opened, the thumbnails are set up to expand to show level 5 TOPO detail. The numbered quads correspond to the viewable areas on the Overview map. Second, you will need highspeed internet to utilize this feature it may take a few seconds to download. TOPO Monster Maps First, The following Overview map is interactive. So play it safe and everything will work out fine. The experiences here vary: mostly epic, but occasionally bad. If you choose to spend time hiking and climbing the Elks, expect a different experience every time out. Many of the valley slopes are ribbed with dangerous avalanche paths, which limits winter mountaineering to only the most daring and adventurous souls. The combination of abundant snowfall and generally steep and narrow valleys, makes access to these mountains a serious obstacle during winter months. The potential for rock-fall is always nearby. In the Elks, the use of a rope can be more of a hindrance than a tool for safety. Only one of six fourteener’s has a walk-up route to the summit. Furthermore, most of the centennial peaks require top physical conditioning and good climbing skills. Like most mountain ranges, some peaks are more dangerous than others good routefinding skills are of paramount importance. The Elk Range has a reputation for loose and crumbling rock. However, beauty doesn’t necessarily translate into good climbing. Indeed these mountains are some of Colorado’s most beautiful. Mountaineering in the Elks The Elk Range has six fourteener’s and four centennial thirteeners. Thanks to the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness, we can visit large sections of mountainous terrain knowing not much has changed since early exploration. Over the years, the Elk Range has have remained in respectably good shape, however some of the northern trails are beginning to show some over-use. ![]() Second, the stratified purplish-red, sedimentary rock of the Permian age, evidenced in mountains like Cathedral Peak, Teocalli Mountain, Pyramid Peak, Maroon Bells and "Willow Peak." ![]() ![]() The whitish, gray rock of the tertiary intrusives is responsible for the sweeping, skinny ridges that connect point-to-point, evident in Snowmass Mountain, The Beckwith’s, Capitol Peak and the Chair Mountain massif. There are two very distinct geological types of rock that are clearly evident in the Elk Mountains, the tertiary intrusives, and the stratified sedimentary. The scenic beauty of the Elk Range is mostly due to its unique geology. Crystal clear streams, pristine alpine lakes and lush green vegetation are common sights. With Wilderness designation, these protected mountains are rugged, steep and aesthetically pleasing. The high mountains of Colorado’s Elk Range are among the finest peaks in the Rockies. It makes sense dividing the Elk Range into three regions, the famous Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness(Maroon Bells, Capitol Peak/Snowmass Mountain, and the Conundrum/Taylor River area), the Raggeds Wilderness (Chair Mountain, Ragged Mountain and the Treasure Mountain massif) and the West Elks Wilderness(the Beckwith’s, the Owens Mountain massif, West Elk massif and the Anthracite Range.) Combined, all three regions provide the perfect introduction into Colorado's spectacular backcountry. ![]()
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