Mount Richthofen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mount Richthofen
Mount Richthofen viewed from Rocky Mountain National Park
Highest point
Elevation	12,945 ft (3,946 m)
Prominence	2,680 ft (817 m)
Isolation	9.66 mi (15.55 km)
Listing	Colorado prominent summits Colorado range high points
Naming
Etymology	Ferdinand von Richthofen
Geography
Mount Richthofen Location in Colorado
Location	Continental Divide between Rocky Mountain National Park in Grand County and Jackson County, Colorado, United States
Parent range	Highest summit of the Never Summer Mountains
Topo map	USGS 7.5' topographic map Mount Richthofen, Colorado
Geology
Age of rock	20-25 myo
Mountain type	Andesite
Climbing
First ascent	William S. Cooper 1908
Easiest route	class 3 scramble

Mount Richthofen is the tallest mountain in the Never Summer Mountains. These mountains are part of the larger Rocky Mountains in North America. This impressive peak stands about 12,945-foot (3,946 m) (or 3,946-metre (12,946 ft)) high.

It is located in Colorado, United States. The mountain sits right on the Continental Divide. This is a line that separates rivers flowing to the Pacific Ocean from those flowing to the Atlantic. Mount Richthofen is found between Rocky Mountain National Park and Grand County on one side, and Routt National Forest and Jackson County on the other. It was named after a famous German geologist, Baron Ferdinand von Richthofen.

Climbing Mount Richthofen

Mount Richthofen is known for being a challenging climb. It is considered a "Class 3" climb. This means climbers often need to use their hands for balance. They might also need to scramble over rocks.

First Known Ascent

A brave explorer named William S. Cooper climbed Mount Richthofen in 1908. He climbed it all by himself! People believe this was the first time someone of European descent climbed the mountain. When he reached the top, he found no signs that anyone else had been there before him.