Windom Peak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Windom Peak |
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Windom Peak (left center) from across Chicago Basin.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 14,093 ft (4296 m) NAVD88 |
| Prominence | 2187 ft (667 m) |
| Isolation | 26.3 mi (42.4 km) |
| Listing |
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| Geography | |
 Windom Peak
Location in Colorado
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| Location | High point of La Plata County, Colorado, United States |
| Parent range | San Juan Mountains, Highest summit of the Needle Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS 7.5' topographic map Columbine Pass, Colorado |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | West Ridge: scramble (class 3) |
Windom Peak is a very tall mountain in the Needle Mountains range. This range is part of the larger Rocky Mountains in North America. Windom Peak is a "fourteener" because it stands over 14,000 feet (4,267 meters) high.
It is located in the Weminuche Wilderness. This is a protected wild area within the San Juan National Forest in Colorado, United States. The mountain is about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northeast of the city of Durango. Windom Peak is the highest point in La Plata County. It is also the highest spot in the entire area where water flows into the San Juan River. The mountain was named after William Windom, who was a senator from Minnesota. A senator is a person elected to represent their state in the government.
Climbing Windom Peak
Windom Peak is one of three "fourteeners" in the Needle Mountains. The other two are Mount Eolus and Sunlight Peak. Windom Peak and Sunlight Peak are on the east side of Twin Lakes. Mount Eolus is on the west side. All three peaks are quite far from towns. This gives them a wild, natural feeling. Even so, many people like to climb them in the summer.
The easiest way to climb Windom Peak is along its West Ridge. This route involves "scrambling," which means you use both your hands and feet to climb. It is rated as "class 3," meaning it's a bit harder than just walking.
How Tall is Windom Peak?
For a while, people wondered if Mount Eolus might be taller than Windom Peak. If it were, Mount Eolus would be the highest point in the Needle Mountains. It would also be the highest point in La Plata County and the San Juan River area.
However, recent measurements have confirmed that Windom Peak is indeed the tallest. A special survey trip helped figure out the exact heights:
- Mount Eolus: 14,085.4 feet (about 4,293 meters)
- Windom Peak: 14,089.9 feet (about 4,294 meters)
These measurements show that Windom Peak is slightly taller. This makes it the highest mountain in this part of the Rockies.
Historical Names
Over time, Windom Peak has been known by a few names:
- Windom Mountain
- Windom Peak – This name became official in 1974.
