Half Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Half Peak |
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Half Peak viewed from the south ridge.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 13,848 ft (4,221 m) |
| Prominence | 1,501 ft (458 m) |
| Isolation | 3.89 mi (6.26 km) |
| Listing | Colorado range high points |
| Geography | |
 Half Peak
Location in Colorado
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| Location | Hinsdale County, Colorado, U.S. |
| Parent range | San Juan Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS 7.5' topographic map Pole Creek Mountain, Colorado |
Half Peak is a tall mountain located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, United States. It stands out as one of the highest points in the eastern part of this mountain range.
This impressive peak is part of the larger Rocky Mountains in North America. It's a popular spot for hikers and nature lovers who enjoy exploring high-altitude areas.
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What is Half Peak?
Half Peak is a very high mountain. It reaches an elevation of 13,848 feet (4,221 m). This makes it a significant landmark in the area.
A "Thirteener" Mountain
In Colorado, mountains are often grouped by their height. Half Peak is known as a "thirteener." This means its summit is over 13,000 feet (about 3,962 meters) high. It is not quite a "fourteener," which is a mountain over 14,000 feet.
Where is Half Peak Located?
Half Peak is found in Hinsdale County, Colorado. It is about 14.3 miles (23.0 km) southwest of a town called Lake City, Colorado. The mountain is also part of the large Gunnison National Forest.
Exploring the San Juan Mountains
Half Peak is part of the beautiful San Juan Mountains. This range is known for its rugged peaks, deep valleys, and stunning natural beauty. The mountains were formed millions of years ago by powerful geological forces.
Nature in Gunnison National Forest
Gunnison National Forest surrounds Half Peak. This forest is a huge area of protected land. It is home to many types of plants and animals. You can find tall evergreen trees, wildflowers, and various wildlife here.
Animals like elk, deer, and bighorn sheep live in these mountains. Sometimes, even bears or mountain lions can be seen. The forest helps protect their natural homes.
Activities Around Half Peak
The area around Half Peak is great for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy hiking and climbing in the summer. The views from the higher parts of the mountain are amazing. In winter, the deep snow makes it a popular spot for snowshoeing or backcountry skiing.
Visitors can also enjoy camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. It is important to always be prepared for changing weather when visiting mountains.
How Mountains Are Formed
Mountains like Half Peak are formed over a very long time. They are created when large pieces of the Earth's crust, called tectonic plates, push against each other. This pressure causes the land to fold, crack, and rise up.
Some mountains are also formed by volcanoes. However, the San Juan Mountains, including Half Peak, were mainly shaped by uplift and erosion. Over millions of years, wind, water, and ice carved the peaks into the shapes we see today.
