Cimarron Ridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cimarron Ridge |
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Part of the ridge as viewed from the west
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,710 m (12,170 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Cimarron Ridge
Location in Colorado
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| Location | Southwestern Colorado |
| Parent range | San Juan Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Courthouse Mountain Washboard Rock Buckhorn Lakes |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Ridge |
The Cimarron Ridge is a long, high area of land in the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado. It stretches from north to south. This ridge goes through parts of four different counties: Gunnison, Montrose, Ouray, and Hinsdale. You can see parts of this beautiful ridge from U.S. Highway 550, which runs next to it.
Tall Peaks on the Ridge
The Cimarron Ridge has several important peaks. Two of the most well-known are Courthouse Mountain and Chimney Rock.
Courthouse Mountain stands very tall at 12,172 ft (3,710 m). Chimney Rock is also impressive, reaching 10,958 ft (3,340 m).
Chimney Rock is famous for appearing in the 1969 movie True Grit. Many people consider it one of the most challenging peaks to climb in all of Colorado.
How Was Cimarron Ridge Formed?
The Cimarron Ridge is made up of a type of rock called tuff breccia. This rock is a mix of volcanic ash and broken rock pieces.
Scientists believe the ridge is what's left after a much larger area of volcanic rock wore away over time. It was once part of a big group of volcanoes.
