Summit Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Summit Peak |
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 Summit Peak
Location in Colorado
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 13,307 ft (4,056 m) |
| Prominence | 2,760 ft (841 m) |
| Isolation | 39.56 mi (63.67 km) |
| Listing |
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| Geography | |
| Location | Continental Divide at the high point of Archuleta County, Colorado, United States |
| Parent range | San Juan Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS 7.5' topographic map Weminuche Pass, Colorado |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | hike |
For the mountain in California formerly named Summit Peak, see Mount Ina Coolbrith.
Summit Peak is a very tall mountain located in southern Colorado, United States. It reaches an amazing height of 13,307 feet (about 4,056 meters) above sea level! This mountain sits right on the Continental Divide, which is like a giant natural line that separates which way rivers flow across North America. Summit Peak is also the highest point in a special protected area called the South San Juan Wilderness.
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Where is Summit Peak?
Summit Peak is found in the San Juan Mountains, a rugged and beautiful mountain range in southwestern Colorado. It's located specifically in Archuleta County, Colorado, and it's actually the highest point in that entire county! The mountain is part of the larger Continental Divide of the Americas, which stretches all the way from Alaska down to South America.
The Continental Divide Explained
Imagine a giant rooftop running across a continent. Rain that falls on one side of the roof flows in one direction, and rain that falls on the other side flows in a different direction. The Continental Divide of the Americas is similar to this. It's a high ridge of land where water on one side flows towards the Atlantic Ocean (or the Gulf of Mexico), and water on the other side flows towards the Pacific Ocean. Summit Peak sits right on this important natural boundary.
Exploring the South San Juan Wilderness
Summit Peak is the tallest point within the South San Juan Wilderness. A wilderness area is a special place protected by the government where nature is allowed to remain wild and untouched. This means there are no roads, buildings, or machines allowed, making it a perfect spot for hiking and enjoying nature.
Hiking to the Top
The easiest way to reach the top of Summit Peak is by hiking. While it's a challenging climb because of its height, many experienced hikers enjoy the adventure. The views from the summit are incredible, offering wide-open panoramas of the surrounding San Juan Mountains and the vast wilderness below.
