Lizard Head, Mountain summit in San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Lizard Head is a volcanic rock spire in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado that rises to about 13,113 feet and stands out as a distinctive pinnacle in the landscape. The formation has steep rock faces and towers above the surrounding terrain in a way that makes it easy to spot from a distance.
The area around the rock formation became known to railroad workers and prospectors in the late 1800s who used it as a navigation landmark. The first documented ascent happened in 1920 when mountaineers pioneered the climbing route to reach the summit.
The mountain's shape became recognizable to railroad workers and travelers passing through the region, turning it into a natural landmark that people used to orient themselves. Locals grew familiar with its outline as a symbol of the San Juan Mountains.
Reaching the summit requires technical climbing skills and proper equipment because the rock faces are steep and exposed. Plan your visit for late summer through fall when snow and ice are less of an obstacle.
In 1911 a major rockslide reshaped the mountain and created such loud sounds that nearby residents thought an earthquake had struck. This event became part of the local history of the area.
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