Mount Zirkel, Mountain summit in Routt National Forest, Colorado, US
Mount Zirkel is the highest peak of the Park Range in Colorado's Routt National Forest and dominates the landscape as a prominent summit in the central Rocky Mountains. The mountain is surrounded by an expansive wilderness area featuring alpine meadows, evergreen forests, and mountain lakes.
The peak was named after Ferdinand Zirkel, a 19th-century German geologist who pioneered the study of North American geology and mineralogy. The naming recognized his influential work in understanding mountain formations and rock composition.
The Mount Zirkel Wilderness area serves as a natural laboratory for scientific research, geological studies, and environmental education programs throughout the year.
The summit can be reached via established hiking trails, with the best climbing season between late spring and early fall when higher elevations are snow-free. Visitors should prepare for alpine conditions and start early in the day, as weather can change quickly at elevation.
The area receives over 180 centimeters of annual precipitation, creating a rich ecosystem of alpine wildflowers and diverse wildlife. This high rainfall feeds the clear lakes and streams that flow through the wilderness.
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