Cronin Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cronin Peak |
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Cronin Peak viewed from the southwest
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 13,877 ft (4,230 m) |
| Prominence | 1,050 ft (320 m) |
| Isolation | 2.39 mi (3.85 km) |
| Geography | |
 Cronin Peak
Location in Colorado
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| Location | Chaffee County, Colorado, U.S. |
| Parent range | Sawatch Range |
| Topo map | USGS 7.5' topographic map Saint Elmo, Colorado |
Cronin Peak is a very tall mountain peak. It is found in the southern part of the Sawatch Range. This mountain range is part of the larger Rocky Mountains in North America.
Cronin Peak stands at 13,877 feet (about 4,229 meters) high. Mountains between 13,000 and 13,999 feet are often called "thirteeners." This peak is located in the San Isabel National Forest. It is about 20.8 kilometers (12.9 miles) southwest of a town called Nathrop. You can find it in Chaffee County, Colorado, in the United States.
The mountain was named to honor a special person, Mary Cronin. In 1934, she became the first woman to climb all 53 of Colorado's highest mountains. These are known as the Colorado fourteeners, which are peaks over 14,000 feet tall.
About Cronin Peak
Cronin Peak is a significant part of the Sawatch Range. This range is famous for having many high mountains. It is one of the tallest mountain ranges in Colorado. The peaks here are often rugged and beautiful.
The mountain's location in the San Isabel National Forest means it is surrounded by nature. This forest is a protected area. It offers homes for many types of wildlife. It also provides places for people to enjoy the outdoors.
What is a Thirteener?
In Colorado, mountains are often grouped by their height. A "thirteener" is a mountain that is at least 13,000 feet tall. However, it is not quite 14,000 feet. There are many thirteeners in Colorado. They offer amazing views and challenging climbs.
Climbing a thirteener can be a big adventure. It requires good planning and preparation. Hikers need to be careful of the weather. They also need to be aware of the high altitude.
Exploring the Sawatch Range
The Sawatch Range stretches for about 100 miles. It runs through the heart of Colorado. This range includes eight of Colorado's highest peaks. These are called "fourteeners" because they are over 14,000 feet tall.
The mountains in the Sawatch Range were formed millions of years ago. They are made mostly of granite rock. Over time, glaciers and weather have shaped them. This has created the sharp peaks and deep valleys we see today.
Many people visit the Sawatch Range. They come for hiking, camping, and climbing. The area is also popular for wildlife viewing. You might see deer, elk, or even bighorn sheep. It's a great place to experience nature.
