Sopris is one of the best known, most visible mountains in the Aspen – Carbondale corridor. Mount Sopris Length: 13 miles roundtrip Elevation: 4,412 feet Trailhead: Thomas Lakes Trailhead While Mount Sopris is not even close to being the tallest peak in the Elk Mountains, from the town of Carbondale it sure looks like it. Long day or overnight . The "After the first glass, you see things as you wish they were. The whitish, gray rock of the tertiary intrusives is responsible for the sweeping, skinny ridges that connect point-to-point, evident in Snowmass Mountain, The Beckwith’s, Capitol Peak and the Chair Mountain massif. Thanks to the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness, we can visit large sections mountainous terrain knowing not much has changed since early exploration. Second, the stratified purplish-red, sedimentary rock of the Permian age, which has been pushed upward to form towering stacks of rotten and crumbling rock, like Cathedral Peak, Teocalli Mountain, Pyramid Peak, Maroon Bells and Buckskin Benchmark. “Mt Sopris. Sunrise over the Roaring Fork Valley. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Mount Sopris Retreat is located just south of the town of Carbondale, Colorado. Enroute the trail is connected by the Hay Park trail and at its end commences the Mount Sopris … Peak Type. At 12,953 feet in elevation, however, the peak barely makes it onto the list of the highest 800 peaks in the state. (97), Climber's Log Entries Amenities include a restaurant, lounge, rental and retail shop, ski school, children’s center, terrain park, nordic skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobile tours. This massive mountain’s 12,965-foot summit can be reached from a straightforward but challenging route. (42), Comments Elevation Info: NAVD88 Elevation: 12,958 ft / 3950 m: Subpeaks: Mount Sopris-West Peak (12,953 ft/3948 m) Latitude/Longitude (WGS84) 39° 15' 40'' N, 107° 9' 53'' W 39.261158, -107.164748 (Dec Deg) 313233 E 4347992 N, Zone 13 (UTM) Country: United States: State/Province: Colorado: County/Second Level Region: Pitkin Although Mount Sopris doesn't even top out at 13,000 feet, its mile of vertical exposure creates an impressive backdrop for the town of Carbondale. Mount Sopris is notable for having two summits, East Sopris and West Sopris, that are one-half mile (0.8 km) apart and have exactly the same elevation of 12,965 feet. From I-70 go south on highway 82 towards Carbondale. View Mount Sopris Image Gallery - 97 Images. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. Nearby prominent peaks Mount Gunnison and Crested Butte are believed to have formed similarly. Approx. The elevation of Mount Sopris West Peak includes an adjustment of +1.669 m (+5.48 ft) from, The elevation of Mount Sopris East Peak includes an adjustment of +1.723 m (+5.65 ft) from, The peaks are connected by a saddle at elevation of about 12,660 feet, giving them a relative, List of Colorado 4000 meter prominent summits, List of the most prominent summits of Colorado, "Some Rock History You Probably Didn't Know", Iron Mountain (Costilla/Huerfano Counties), 66 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, Yanks Gulch/Upper Greasewood Creek Natural Area, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mount_Sopris&oldid=824373685, Pages using Sister project links with default search, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 6 February 2018, at 23:30. Take Prince Creek Road off of Highway 133 out of Carbondale for about 8 miles to the Thomas Lakes trailhead at Dinkle Lake. Just south of the town of Carbondale, Colorado where the Crystal River meets the Roaring Fork River sits one of the most impressive mountains in the state. A local poll in Aspen and Carbondale said 74 percent of the respondents were against the proposal. Elevation: 12,953 feet, 3948 meters. The nearest weather station for both precipitation and temperature measurements is ASPEN 1 SW which is approximately 19 miles away and has an elevation of 8,163 feet (4,776 feet lower than Mount Sopris). The trail begins off of CR6A/FR311 near Dinkle Lake around 8,600 feet and extends for just over 4 miles to the Thomas Lakes area where the elevation is 10,265 feet. This feature-filled trail passes through mountain shrublands, high meadows and tall aspen stands to the lakes. Carbondale is at 6,171 feet elevation near Mount Sopris, in the plains of the Crystal and Roaring Fork Rivers. However, what this mountain lacks in sheer elevation it makes up for in vertical prominence. Mount Sopris is notable for having two summits, East Sopris and West Sopris, that are one-half mile (0.8 km) apart and have the same elevation of 12,965 feet (3,952 m). It rises majestically with solo appearance displaying over 5500’ of elevation from the valley floor. Mount Sopris is considered the "Gateway to the Elk Range". Simply put Mount Sopris is one of my favorite peaks to climb in Colorado. Mount Sopris. This configuration gives Mount Sopris a distinctive profile that is easily recognized from surrounding peaks.Situated on the north end of the Elk Mountains Mount Sopris guards the more rugged heartland and serves as a beacon, being the first Elk Mountain summit to be seen when approaching the Elks from the north on Highway 82. The trail gets smaller as it passes timberline before heading up the steep and loose north-east ridge of Sopris to the first false summit. Although relatively moderate 12-mile roundtrip hike up Sopris takes a full day, so it's important to begin the journey early in the day. Item Information. Mount Sopris ; Saturday & Sunday, August 29-30, 2015 Mount Sopris during a spectacular sunrise last fall. Mount Sopris Summit elevation: 12,966 feet. From here the summit cairn is visible. Take Prince Creek Road off of Highway 133 out of Carbondale for about 8 miles to the Thomas Lakes trailhead at Dinkle Lake. This page shows the elevation/altitude information of Carbondale, CO, USA, including elevation map, topographic map, narometric pressure, longitude and latitude. Mount Sopris is the striking northern sentinel of the Elk Mountains. [7], It is named for Richard Sopris,[8] a former mayor of Denver and part of the first European expedition in the Roaring Fork Valley. From the first false summit the trail follows a narrow grassy ridgeline to the the second false summit. Mount Sopris is notable for having two summits, East Sopris and West Sopris, that are one-half mile (0.8 km) apart and have the same elevation of 12,965 feet (3,952 m). This tool allows you to look up elevation data by searching address or clicking on a live google map. This is impressive for a mountain that rises to the rather modest height of 12,953 feet. It’s all here in the Elks, now it’s up to you to discover the ruggedness and beauty that so many talk about.Above text courtesy of Kane. Summit elevation: 12,966 feet. Starting elevation: 8,110 feet Summit elevation: 12,953 feet Elevation gain: 4,853 feet Round trip distance: 16 miles Day trip? East Mount Sopris and West Mount Sopris are of equal height and are easily climbed together. This is the only tedious terrain on the standard route and if snow conditions are bad there could be an avalanche danger along this section. It continues 4 miles and 2800' up to Mount Sopris, and many hikers will basecamp at Thomas Lakes en route to the summit. H41/ Mt Sopris Colorado RPPC Postcard c1940s Elevation 12823 Mountain. It rises majestically with solo appearance displaying over 5500’ of elevation from the valley floor. Mount Sopris is a twin-summit mountain in the northwestern Elk Mountains range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. A clear view of the false summit (left) and East Mount Sopris (right). Even though it's less than fifty feet shy of registering as one of Colorado's 13,000 foot peaks, Mount Sopris (12,953) dominates the skyline over Carbondale and the lower Roaring Fork Valley and stands as the northern sentinel of the Elk Mountains. Mount Sopris Instruments manufactures, distributes, and rents geophysical equipment and software for subsurface investigations. Finally, these glorious mountains have remained in respectably good shape over the years, lacking the substantial mining scars of other nearby mountain ranges. Camping and campfires are … Details about H41/ Mt Sopris Colorado RPPC Postcard c1940s Elevation 12823 Mountain. Isolation: 8.52 mi, 13.71 km. Indeed the surrounding river drainages of the Roaring Fork and the Crystal River give Mount Sopris a vertical prominence few mountains in Colorado can match, rising over 6,000 feet in a few miles. Combining these two types of geology with its lush, green vegetation, the Elks provide a distinct and different kind of beauty. Follow this road for about 6.3 miles or so (it turns to dirt at about mile 2.8) until you come to a confusing intersection. In 2011 J.P. McDaniels petitioned to rename East Sopris "Mount John Denver" after the Colorado singer. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' (One can compare this to the corresponding vertical rise of the more well-known Maroon Peak in the heart of the Elks: it rises only about 4,300 ft (1,310 m), at best, in the same horizontal distance.) The high mountains of Colorado’s Elk Range are among the finest peaks in the Rockies. Mount Sopris Summit elevation: 12,966 feet. The ascent involves about 4,300 ft (1,300 m) of vertical gain (plus 600 ft/180 m for a round-trip to West Sopris, if desired) and 12 mi (20 km) of hiking (plus 1 mi/1.6 km for West Sopris); it is a strenuous trail hike, with some scree. The trail is excellent and this is a highly recomended route. The mountain does not reach even 13,000 feet, but it is very prominent - it rises 6000 vertical feet out of the valley floor. This is impressive for a mountain that rises to the rather modest height of 12,953 feet. The Elk Range can be sectioned into three sub ranges, the Central Elks (Maroon Bells massif and Capitol massif), the Raggeds (Chair Mountain, Ragged Mountain and the Treasure Mountain massif) and the West Elks (the Beckwith’s, the Owens Mountain massif, West Elk massif and the Anthracite Range.) The excellent trail reaches the Thomas Lakes in four miles. Maps: Maroon Bells, White River National ForestAspen Ranger District Office(970) 925-3445USDA Forest ServiceWhite RiverNational ForestP.O. Resting in the magnificent shadow of 12,953-foot Mount Sopris, where rocky vistas meet crystal waters, Carbondale is a great base camp for recreation enthusiasts. Situated south of Carbondale, where the Crystal River meets the Roaring Fork River, is one of Colorado’s most majestic mountain. Bukid ang Mount Sopris sa Tinipong Bansa. The eastern route up Sopris takes you into the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/mount-sopris-and-west-mount-sopris Despite it’s towering, wide silhouette, Mount Sopris tops out at just under 13,000 feet. It starts near Dinkle Lake, on the northeast side of the mountain, and passes between the two Thomas Lakes just before reaching timberline. Dziezynski said the talus fields at the base make for fun boulder hopping and when you gain the ridges, the alluvial fans below look like flowing rivers of rock. But why judge a mountain by its size alone? Sopris is one of the best known, most visible mountains in the Aspen – Carbondale corridor. In fact a vertical rise of over 6,000 feet in less than 3 miles is rare and impressive anywhere in the contiguous United States.[12]. There is no trail to the summit of West Mount Sopris but this adds just 0.7 miles and minimal additional elevation gain. All Rights Reserved. (there is a sign there now pointing the way). From here it is two and a half miles and 2,200 feet more to the summit. --Oscar Wilde on Absinthe, Routes The multiple cirques that cut into the north side of the mountain are breathtakingly spectacular when viewed from above. Mount Sopris from Prince Creek Road. There are two geological types of rock that are clearly evident in the Elk Mountains, the tertiary intrusives, and the stratified sedimentary. It is easy for an Elk but the views are no less spectacular then Sopris' more rugged bretheren. The experiences here can be good or bad. Combining excellent display, editing and analysis capabilities, WellCAD ™ has become the standard log composite software in mining, natural resource, geotechnical, and other communities. Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. MOUNT SOPRIS. It is included in the spectacular Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. While it is just under a “thirteener,” climbing it has all the characteristics of a fourteener in elevation … It is named for Richard Sopris, a former mayor of Denver and part of the first European expedition in the Roaring Fork Valley. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. This 180,962 acre preserve offers some protection for this area from the rampant development that has plagued Pitkin and Eagle counties in recent years. It could be an experience that you won’t ever want to forget, or an experience that you will want to forget, but can’t. It is prominently visible from State Highway 82 in the vicinity of Carbondale. With Wilderness designation, these protected mountains are rugged, steep and aesthetically pleasing. Ang Mount Sopris nahimutang sa kondado sa Pitkin County ug estado sa Colorado, sa sentro nga bahin sa nasod, 2,600 km sa kasadpan sa ulohang dakbayan Washington, D.C. 3,944 metros ibabaw sa dagat kahaboga ang nahimutangan sa Mount Sopris, o 990 ka metros sa ibabaw sa naglibot nga tereyn.Mga 15.4 ka kilometro ang gilapdon sa tiilan niini. Sopris is a fairly moderate mountain in the Colorado Rockies. (32), Additions & Corrections © 2006-2020 SummitPost.org. It is part of the Elk Mountain Range and has two distinct summits located a half mile apart. Elevation: 10,265 - 12,965 feet (Thomas Lakes) Elevation gain: 3140 feet. Latitude/Longitude (WGS84) 39° 15' 48'' N, 107° 10' 33'' W. 39.263206, -107.175922 (Dec Deg) 312274 E 4348242 N, Zone 13 (UTM) Country. From Thomas Lakes (see route above), you're in perfect position to climb any of Mount Sopris' three summits. In terms of local relief Mt. Purple mountains majesty ... East Mount Sopris. Sub-Peak, subsidiary to Mount Sopris. Moonset over the west shoulder of Sopris. After the second, you see things as they are not. Mt Sopris is not a 14’er or even a 13’er but as an introduction it is taxing, has significant elevation and distance, but is very doable, leave early (6:00/6:30 latest), … The scenic beauty of the Elk Range is mostly due to its unique geology. At 12,953 feet, Mount Sopris is the main feature of Carbondale’s southern landscape. Condition: Used Most of the prominent high peaks in this range require solid route finding and climbing skills. New MSI-360 Digital Camera! Indeed the surrounding river drainages of the Roaring Fork and the Crystal River give Mount Sopris a vertical prominence few mountains in Colorado can match, rising over 6,000 feet in a few miles. Finally, you see things as they really are, which is the most horrible thing in the world." It towers above Carbondale, and one gets an impression it must be a fourteener. (1 ), 1903 photograph of Carbondale and Mount Sopris, 1900 photograph of Mount Sopris rising above an experimental potato patch, 1900 photograph from Carbondale Reservoir, Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC). Sopris is one of the largest peaks in Colorado, rising 6,400 feet from the valley below in just over 2 miles. Dziezynski said the talus fields at the base make for fun boulder hopping, and when you gain the ridges, the alluvial fans below look like flowing rivers of rock. It is a really beautiful part of Colorado. Rating: Round Trip: 5.4 miles (Thomas Lakes) Round Trip: 13.8 miles (Dinkle Road) Difficulty: Strenuous. the USFS requires a permit, available at the Glenwood Springs ranger station. They also harbor monsterous rock glaciers so a more direct route from Thomas Lakes would be inadvisable. At the Highway 133 intersection, head south on Highway 133, through the town of Carbondale and after about 2.5 miles you need to turn left (east) on Prince Creek Road. [11], Mount Sopris dominates the skyline of Carbondale and the lower Roaring Fork Valley, serving as an unofficial symbol of the area. Box 948Glenwood Springs CO 81602(970)-945-2521. The 12,965-foot (3,952 m) mountain is located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness of White River National Forest, 6.6 miles (10.7 km) north by northeast (bearing 30°) of the community of Redstone in Pitkin County, Colorado, United States. You will pass some private property driveways along the way keep driving. Sunlight’s summit on Compass Mountain in the White River National Forest, overlooks majestic Mount Sopris and the awe inspiring Elk Mountain Range. It towers above the town of Carbondale and the Roaring Fork River Valley in a very dramatic fashion. The parking area for the trailhead for Mount Sopris is at Dinkle Lake - about 2 miles from the confusing intersection. 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