Greenhorn Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Greenhorn Mountain |
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Greenhorn Mountain seen from Walsenburg, Colorado
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 12,352 ft (3,765 m) |
| Prominence | 3,777 ft (1,151 m) |
| Isolation | 25.24 mi (40.62 km) |
| Listing | Colorado county high points 35th |
| Geography | |
 Greenhorn Mountain
Location in Colorado
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| Location | Huerfano County and the high point of Pueblo County, Colorado, U.S. |
| Parent range | Highest summit of the Wet Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS 7.5' topographic map San Isabel, Colorado |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Hike |
Greenhorn Mountain is the tallest peak in the Wet Mountains, which are part of the huge Rocky Mountains in North America. This impressive mountain stands tall at about 12,352 feet (3,765 meters). It's found in the Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness, inside the San Isabel National Forest.
The mountain sits between Huerfano and Pueblo counties in Colorado, United States. The very top of Greenhorn Mountain is the highest spot in Pueblo County, Colorado. The summit of the peak is above the timberline, which means no trees grow there. In this part of Colorado, the timberline is around 11,500 feet (3,505 meters).
About Greenhorn Mountain
Greenhorn Mountain is a very large mountain. You can see it from far away cities like Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Trinidad. It rises more than 7,000 feet (2,134 meters) above the flat plains to its east.
The mountain's natural areas are protected within the Greenhorn Mountain Wilderness. This special area is quiet and peaceful. You can only reach it by a few hiking trails or a road that needs a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
How Greenhorn Mountain Got Its Name
The mountain's first name was Cuerno Verde. This Spanish name means "Green Horn." It was given because of two important Comanche leaders, a father and son, who were known as Cuerno Verde. The younger Cuerno Verde was also called "Man Who Holds Danger" by his people.
In 1779, the younger Cuerno Verde and some of his warriors were killed near this mountain. This happened during an expedition led by Juan Bautista de Anza, a Spanish governor. His group included Spanish soldiers and Native American allies like the Apache, Ute, and Pueblo.
Later, in 1906, the United States Board on Geographic Names made a decision. They chose to use the English translation, Greenhorn, for the mountain's name. That's why it's called Greenhorn Mountain today.
