#6. Jagged Mountain – San Juan Mountains, Southwest Colorado Nestled deep within the San Juan Range, the approach to Jagged Mountain requires a 20-30 mile round trip trek, depending on the approach site. At the top of this incredibly beautiful mountain, climbers will find pitches of 5.2 and above. Cliffs and grassy ledges make up the majority of the ascent, so many climbers will rope up and down a variety of puzzles. (Todd Caudle, via summitpost.org)
Gallery by: OutThere ColoradoWhile most people are most familiar with ColoradoÔÇÖs 14,000-foot peaks, the most dangerous mountains to ascend in Colorado include some lesser-known names. Only 54 mountains in Colorado rise above 14,000 feet, but there are over 1,300 peaks cresting above 12,000 feet with plenty of challenging vertical to pursue. Proceed with caution; but if youÔÇÖve got plenty of experience and mountaineering know-how and are looking for a challenge, here are the 6 most dangerous Colorado mountains.See this gallery at OutThere ColoradoFor more Gazette lists, check out our lists page
#6. Jagged Mountain – San Juan Mountains, Southwest Colorado Nestled deep within the San Juan Range, the approach to Jagged Mountain requires a 20-30 mile round trip trek, depending on the approach site. At the top of this incredibly beautiful mountain, climbers will find pitches of 5.2 and above. Cliffs and grassy ledges make up the majority of the ascent, so many climbers will rope up and down a variety of puzzles. (Todd Caudle, via summitpost.org)#2. Maroon Bells – Near Aspen, Colorado The Maroon Bells are not only some of Colorado’s most photographed mountains, they also present an extensive challenge to climbers looking to traverse between the two peaks. Mountaineers must bring climbing gear like harnesses and ropes to ensure a safe traverse. (Stacie Scott, The Gazette)(Photo courtesy Donna Lynn via Twitter)#3. Longs Peak – Near Estes Park, Colorado Longs Peak is dangerous primarily because of the lengthy ascent time as well as its features that boast some of the most difficult climbing puzzles in Colorado. Ascending Longs via one of the rope routes (i.e. The East Face) features rock faces of thousands of feet of vertical ascent. (Mark Reis)#4. Lizard Head – San Juan Mountains, Southwest Colorado This 13,000-foot peak is one of the most difficult of Colorado’s over 600 13ers. Ascent of this peak requires ropes and has sections rated 5.8 and above. This peak is certainly not for first time climbers, so be sure to train well before attempting this grueling peak. (United States National Weather Service photo of Lizard Head Peak via Wikipedia)#5. Peak Fifteen – San Juan Mountains, Southwest Colorado A sixteen mile round trip hike along with some 5.0 to 5.2 rated stretches makes Peak Fifteen one of the craggiest and physically wearing climbs in Colorado. Generally, climbers will dedicate two to three days to backpack the entire route. Climbers can also pop across to bag Pigeon and Turret, two additional 13ers, in the same trip. (SummitPost.org)
