Matterhorn Peak, Mountain summit in San Juan Mountains, Colorado, United States.
Matterhorn Peak is a mountain summit in Colorado's San Juan Range rising to 13,590 feet, with gentle grassy southern slopes that give way to a rocky peak. The formation features distinct geological characteristics on each face, transitioning from forested lower slopes to alpine meadows.
German settlers named the peak after recognizing similarities between its grassy slopes and rocky summit with mountains in their homeland. This naming reflects the German presence in Colorado's 19th-century mining communities.
The peak sits within a protected wilderness area that preserves Colorado's mountain landscapes. Climbers and hikers appreciate the location for its proximity to other summits nearby.
Hikers start at the Matterhorn Creek Trailhead at 10,840 feet and follow Trail 233 through switchbacks to the summit. The route is manageable for mountain-experienced hikers but requires good weather and proper preparation.
The north face drops steeply with rock formations that create a striking contrast to the forested southern slopes below. This natural asymmetry means each approach offers a different visual experience of the mountain.
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