Pico El León, Mountain summit in Mérida, Venezuela
Pico El León is a mountain summit in the Venezuelan Andes, rising to approximately 4,740 meters (15,551 feet) as part of the Sierra Nevada range. The peak can be reached via trails that pass through different vegetation zones and terrain types.
The peak formed through natural geological processes over millions of years as part of the Andes chain. In recent decades, the glacial formations that once covered much of the summit have significantly receded.
The mountain serves as a key landmark for Mérida's communities and shapes how people connect with the surrounding landscape. Local life includes many outdoor traditions centered around climbing and hiking in these peaks.
The best time to climb is during the drier months when trails are easier to navigate and visibility is better. Most hikers start from Pico Espejo, which allows time to acclimatize before attempting the final push to the summit.
The peak sits in a location where specific weather patterns develop throughout the year, affecting climbing conditions in ways climbers should understand beforehand. Rapid weather changes are common here and can shift visibility and safety on the summit within hours.
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