Handies Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Handies Peak |
|
|---|---|
The peak in 2018.
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 14,058 ft (4284.8 m) NAVD88 |
| Prominence | 1908 ft (582 m) |
| Isolation | 11.18 mi (18.00 km) |
| Listing |
|
| Geography | |
 Handies Peak
Location in Colorado
|
|
| Location | Hinsdale County, Colorado, U.S. |
| Parent range | San Juan Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS 7.5' topographic map Handies Peak, Colorado |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1874 Franklin Rhoda |
| Easiest route | hike |
Handies Peak is a very tall mountain in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, United States. It's part of the larger Rocky Mountains range. This mountain is special because it's one of Colorado's "fourteeners." This means its top is more than 14,000 feet (about 4,267 meters) above sea level.
Handies Peak stands at 14,058 feet (4,284.8 meters) high. It is located in Hinsdale County. The peak is about 13 miles (21.5 kilometers) southwest of a town called Lake City.
Contents
What is a Fourteener?
A "fourteener" is a mountain peak that reaches an elevation of at least 14,000 feet (4,267.2 meters) above sea level. Colorado is famous for having many of these very tall mountains. Climbing all of them is a popular challenge for hikers and climbers.
Handies Peak is known as one of the easier fourteeners to climb. This makes it a great goal for people who are new to climbing high mountains.
The San Juan Mountains
Handies Peak is part of the beautiful San Juan Mountains. This mountain range is located in southwestern Colorado and northwestern New Mexico. The San Juan Mountains are known for their rugged peaks, deep valleys, and rich mining history.
Many parts of the San Juan Mountains are protected areas. These areas help keep the natural beauty and wildlife safe.
Climbing Handies Peak
The easiest way to reach the top of Handies Peak is by hiking. There are trails that lead to the summit. Hikers often start from specific trailheads, which are starting points for mountain trails.
Even though it's considered an easier fourteener, climbing Handies Peak still requires good preparation. Hikers need proper gear, water, and knowledge of mountain safety. The weather in the mountains can change very quickly.
First Climb to the Top
The first recorded climb to the summit of Handies Peak was in 1874. A person named Franklin Rhoda was the first to reach the top. He was a geographer and explorer.
Early explorers like Franklin Rhoda helped map and understand the vast mountain ranges of the American West. Their journeys were often challenging and dangerous.
Handies Peak Wilderness Study Area
Handies Peak is located within the Bureau of Land Management Handies Peak Wilderness Study Area. A Wilderness Study Area is a special place. It is managed by the government to keep its natural, wild character.
These areas are protected so that they can be considered for official wilderness designation in the future. This means they are kept mostly untouched by human development. They offer a chance for people to experience nature in its purest form.
