Badger Mountain, Mountain summit in Pike National Forest, Colorado, United States.
Badger Mountain is a 11,295-foot (3,442 m) summit in Pike National Forest located within the South Park Hills of the Rocky Mountains. The peak sits surrounded by dense forest with communications infrastructure visible at the top.
The mountain takes its name from John Badger, a veteran who fought in the Civil War and the Mexican-American War during the 1800s. The naming reflects how local geography often honors figures tied to the region's military and settler history.
The summit area has a USGS benchmark and a metal box chained to rocks, reflecting how American mountaineers have long documented their climbs. Hikers who reach the top often leave notes in the box, continuing this tradition of marking their passage.
You can reach the summit via Badger Mountain Road or a steep trail near the Wilkerson Pass visitor center depending on your preference. Plan for the elevation gain and bring appropriate gear, as mountain conditions change with the seasons.
The peak sits at the edge of Lost Creek Wilderness and offers open views across South Park and toward the Tarryall Mountains. This position makes it a good vantage point for seeing the surrounding mountain landscape stretching away in multiple directions.
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