Best Summit Hikes in Colorado. James Dziezynski
ghost towns in their wake. The population grew as Colorado’s agreeable climate, natural resources, and intrinsic beauty became widely known. Out-of-work miners turned to agriculture in the high country, and hundreds of ranches sprang up.
Colorado achieved statehood on August 1, 1876, becoming the 38th state of the United States. Since then, it has grown to become a major recreational and tourist destination. Mining experienced a modern boom during both World Wars. Molybdenum, an element crucial in strengthening the armor plating on tanks and warships, became a major resource. The Climax Molybdenum Mine, on Fremont Pass outside of Leadville, continues to carry out operations to this day.
In modern times, skiing and other outdoors recreation have given new life to the high country. With our newfangled horseless carriages and high-tech Gore-Tex jackets, the backcountry has never been more accessible. The value of Colorado’s wilderness in an era of development and industry is priceless; we must ensure future generations will enjoy the mountains as we do today by honoring and respecting the land.
Wildlife
High-elevation critters are a hearty bunch. Despite the harsh conditions experienced at altitude, animals of many sizes flourish, all the way up to 14,000 feet. Survival depends on clever adaptations to the environment. These creatures employ a great bag of tricks to endure year after year. Hibernation, torpor, seasonal fur camouflage, ingenious den designs, and unique physiological adaptations are among the strategies that are proven winners in the alpine kingdom.
Hikers and backpackers entering the backcountry need to respect local wildlife. Once on their turf, we need to play by their rules. They experience the world through a different set of sense organs, oftentimes superior to our own eyes, ears, and noses. And since neither man nor animal is looking for trouble, reducing the chances of a bad encounter is essential for both.
By now you should know to never feed the wildlife, no matter how cute or hungry they look. Feeding animals can make them reliant on hikers as a food source. At high-traffic areas such as Rocky Mountain National Park, the pudgy jaybirds and ground squirrels begging at popular trailheads prove that many people disregard this rule. Wildlife must remain wild. An animal that retains the skills that have kept its kind alive for hundreds of years must not lose that proficiency by developing a craving for Cheetos.
A sunny winter day warms up a foxy friend.
Do not approach wild animals and never do anything that would frighten them. Animal behavior is unpredictable, and it is always best to give even the “friendly” animals their space. Slow-moving and less aggressive animals should not be stressed out by visitors trying to handle them. Take photographs from a safe distance.
To put it simply, be respectful, and acquiesce to them if you must. Life is hard enough in the high country; the last thing the animals that live there need is meddling humans to goof things up.
Mammal Roll Call
Furry friends are plentiful in the mountains. Largest of all are the impressive moose that live in pockets throughout marshy areas of the Rocky Mountains, notably in the Gore Range peaks outside of Vail. Moose are not native to Colorado. They were introduced in 1978 as a small group and have flourished, comprising about 600 animals today. With male bull moose averaging 1,100 pounds, they are not to be trifled with. Even the daintiest female moose can weigh 800 pounds when full grown. Moose are the largest members of the deer family (Cervidae), and their name comes from an Algonquin word meaning “twig eater.” These muscular mammals are relatively rare in Colorado, so consider yourself lucky if you spot one. (Note that bison, which can weigh up to 2,000 pounds, are not considered wild animals in Colorado. The only native populations that exist are on ranches, where they are raised for meat or hides.)
More commonly found are the moose’s cousins, the elk. Elk originally roamed the plains east of the Rockies, but they have since adapted to conditions in lower high-altitude regions. Don’t be surprised if you happen to see them higher on the mountain, as they will wander to the very tops of peaks when summer weather is agreeable. Elk are by nature herd animals, though young bucks are known to be a bit more adventurous and may leave the comfort of the group for short periods of time. Like moose, they are generally peaceful but can get aggressive during the rut (mating season). The famous bugle of elk during the mating season is a haunting call, a distinct tone that must be heard to be appreciated.
Deer round up the major members of the ungulate order (ungulates are the hoofed mammals). Mule deer make up the largest subfamily in the mountains. Although their role in life is primarily serving as prey for larger carnivores, mule deer are scrappy and rugged. While still herd animals, they often band in much smaller groups than elk, sometimes in families of only four to six members. I’ve encountered mule deer above 14,000 feet and even on the summits of some fairly rugged peaks (such as Mount Zirkel). Keep your eyes open, and you may spot them, too.
Black bears are perhaps the most feared of the mountain mammals and among the most misunderstood. Most are shy and will avoid confrontations with humans. Because they are omnivores, black bears are perfectly content to munch on berries and vegetation, hunting for meat only when they have to. Remember, however, that they are still equipped with the finest in carnivore technology and are excellent swimmers and climbers. Unless you are Carl Lewis, you cannot outrun a black bear. Smaller black bears are often mistaken for large dogs, while larger black bears can easily be mistaken for bison. Some males can grow to weigh more than 800 pounds and reach 6 feet tall, from ground to shoulder. With a healthy, glossy coat and a face that shows a relaxed dominance, it is easy to get captivated in the presence of such an incredible beast. Note that bear’s fur changes with the seasons, fluctuating from near black to light brown. For information on bear encounters, read the section “What to Do if You Encounter a Black Bear,”.
Grizzly bears (also known as brown bears) are considered to be extinct in this area, but just to be safe, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources considers the grizz an endangered species. The last known grizzly was killed by hunters in the San Juan Mountains in 1979. There have been no confirmed sightings since, though reports come in every year of their existence. Wyoming does have confirmed grizzly populations however, and it is not far-fetched to think some of this group may wander into Colorado. Rumors persist of a small population in the Sawatch Range around Mount Elbert. While it may be easy for an inexperienced wildlife observer to confuse a grizzly and a black bear, they are quite different in both appearance and demeanor. Grizzly bears are brownish-yellow and are more muscular than black bears. Their enormous heads and muscular humps over the shoulders make them formidable and majestic animals. Grizzlies are more aggressive than black bears and are much more unpredictable. The good news in Colorado is that if there are any grizzlies in the state, they do well to stay out of sight.
Mountain lions (also known as cougars, pumas, or panthers) are the elusive kings of the mountain and the least predictable. Because they live as individuals, as opposed to in packs, their behavior can differ from cat to cat. Large felines are nature’s perfect predators: fast, stealthy, smart, and equipped to win any battle. You may have never seen a mountain lion, but I guarantee they’ve seen you! Most lions have no need to attack humans and seem smart enough to avoid the trouble (not to mention expending the effort to attack a 200-pound human when that energy can be better used to take down a 400-pound elk). However, mountain lions have an instinct to pursue fast-moving creatures and several attacks on humans have occurred when people were running or biking. If presented with the opportunity of an easy kill, a hungry lion will stalk smaller people or children. Such tactics are generally thought to be acts of desperation by emaciated or older lions and are very rare, with the average being one attack per year over the past 120 years. The fact that lions have ample opportunity to attack oblivious hikers and normally choose not to indicates that we are not their favorite targets. With their high intelligence and reliance on stealth, it may benefit both the mountain lion and the hiker that they stay in the shadows. For more information, read the section “What to Do if You Encounter a Mountain Lion,”.