Little Cone, Mountain summit in San Miguel Mountains range, Colorado, US
Little Cone is a mountain summit in the San Miguel Range located within Uncompahgre National Forest at an elevation of around 11,988 feet. The peak rises roughly 15 miles west of Telluride and offers views across the surrounding mountain terrain.
The mountain formed during the Miocene epoch through subsurface magma activity, creating a distinctive laccolith structure. This rock formation is part of the San Juan volcanic field that covers the region.
The mountain draws geologists and researchers who study its extensive deposits of vanadium and uranium within the Entrada Sandstone formations.
Visitors should prepare for high altitude conditions and check weather forecasts before climbing, as conditions can shift rapidly in the mountains. Sturdy footwear and proper gear are important for safety and comfort during the ascent.
The rock composition on the peak includes several types such as granogabbro, granodiorite, rhyolite, and microgabbro, drawing attention from geologists. This rare mix of rock types makes the peak interesting to mineral researchers and students of mountain geology.
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