Humboldt Peak, Mountain peak in Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado, United States.
Humboldt Peak is a mountain summit in Colorado's Sangre de Cristo Range, located in Custer County at around 14,064 feet (4,286 m) above sea level. The upper portion of the mountain is made up of exposed granite, while the lower slopes hold alpine meadows and patches of tundra vegetation.
The peak takes its name from Alexander von Humboldt, a German naturalist from the early 19th century who traveled extensively across the Americas. His name was given to many places throughout North and South America in recognition of his work connecting geography, climate, and plant life.
The summit is a stop for climbers working through Colorado's fourteeners, the informal list of peaks above 14,000 feet. At the top, a small metal register box is usually left where climbers sign their names after reaching it.
The standard route begins at South Colony Lakes basin and follows the West Ridge up to the top. The final stretch involves moving over loose rock, so sturdy footwear and an early start before afternoon storms are strongly recommended.
Humboldt Peak sits right next to the Crestone Peaks and Crestone Needle, two of the most technically demanding fourteeners in Colorado. This makes the South Colony Lakes area one of the most concentrated gathering points of high summits anywhere in the state.
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