Peak 13,762 (Silver King Peak) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Silver King Peak |
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|---|---|
| Peak 13762 | |
 Silver King Peak
Location in Colorado
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 13,769 ft (4,197 m) |
| Prominence | 822 ft (251 m) |
| Isolation | 1.69 mi (2.72 km) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Continental Divide between Chaffee and Gunnison counties, Colorado, United States |
| Parent range | Sawatch Range, Collegiate Peaks |
| Topo map | USGS 7.5' topographic map Mount Harvard, Colorado |
Silver King Peak, also called Peak 13762, is a tall mountain in the Sawatch Range. This mountain range is part of the amazing Colorado Rockies in the United States. Silver King Peak is quite remote. It is also surrounded by several even taller mountains, some over 14,000 feet high! Because of this, not many people try to climb it.
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Exploring Silver King Peak
Silver King Peak stands at 13,769 feet (about 4,197 meters) above sea level. It is located right on the Continental Divide. This means it sits on the imaginary line that separates which way water flows across North America. Water on one side flows to the Pacific Ocean, and water on the other side flows to the Atlantic Ocean. The peak is found between Chaffee and Gunnison counties in Colorado.
The Sawatch Range
Silver King Peak is part of the Sawatch Range. This is a large mountain range in central Colorado. The Sawatch Range is known for having many of Colorado's highest peaks. In fact, it has eight of the 20 highest mountains in the Rocky Mountains. The highest peak in the Sawatch Range is Mount Elbert, which is also the highest point in Colorado.
Why Mountains Are Important
Mountains like Silver King Peak are very important for many reasons.
- They provide homes for many different kinds of plants and animals.
- They are a source of fresh water, as snow and ice melt and flow into rivers.
- They offer beautiful places for people to hike, explore, and enjoy nature.
- They also help us understand the Earth's geology and how our planet was formed.
How to Get There
If you want to visit the area around Silver King Peak, you can start at the Pine Creek Trailhead. A trailhead is a starting point for a hiking path. This trailhead is located at 8,800 feet above sea level.
Finding the Trailhead
To reach the Pine Creek Trailhead:
- From US 24, drive 6.3 miles south of the intersection with CO 82.
- Turn onto Chaffee County Road 388.
- Continue straight for 0.3 miles.
- At 0.6 miles, you will go around a sharp turn, and the road might get a bit rougher.
- If you have a car that sits low to the ground, you might want to park here.
- Other cars can continue for another tenth of a mile to reach the trailhead.
- The trailhead is right next to the private Pine Creek Ranch.
Hiking Safely
Hiking in the mountains can be a lot of fun, but it's important to be safe.
- Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks.
- Wear layers of clothing, as mountain weather can change quickly.
- Check the weather forecast before you go.
- Be aware of your surroundings and any wildlife.
- Know your limits and don't push yourself too hard.
