Mount Mestas

Mount Mestas is a summit in the Sangre de Cristo Range located in southeastern Colorado, rising to approximately 11,600 feet above sea level. The peak features steep terrain and stands prominently against the plains below.

Originally called La Veta Peak, this summit was renamed in 1949 to honor Private First Class Felix B. Mestas Jr., a local soldier who died during World War II. The name change reflects how the region commemorated its war dead.

The peak honors a fallen soldier from the area, reflecting how the local community names landmarks to remember those who served.

Access to the summit starts from a picnic area at lower elevation, with visitors following steep terrain over loose rock for the entire climb. The route works best during dry months when the ground offers better footing.

The eastern face of this peak drops steeply away, creating a sharp visual boundary between the mountains and the plains far below. This dramatic slope makes it easily recognizable from distant viewpoints.