Rimmed by the mighty Sawatch, Mosquito and Sangre de Cristo mountains, Chaffee County is a breathtaking place to get outdoors. Like sentinels lining the horizon to the west, Sawatch peaks dominate the Upper Arkansas Valley. Running some 100 miles, from south of Salida to north of Leadville, 15 of Colorado’s 58 14,000-foot peaks rise in the Sawatch. The range features four of the state’s five tallest peaks including Mount Elbert, at 14,440 feet the state’s highest and second only to California’s14,505-foot Mount Whitney in the lower 48. The Collegiate Peaks – five mountains named after colleges – are included in the Sawatch. 

Be Sure To Pack The The 10 Essentials

1. Navigation: Topo map, compass, GPS/GPS app
2. Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses/goggles, hat
3. Insulation: Extra layers, wool hat, gloves/mittens, buff, hand warmers
4. Illumination: Flashlight, headlamp, extra batteries
5. First Aid: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, splint
6. Fire: Lighter/waterproof matches, fire starter, saw
7. Tools: Knife, zip ties, duct tape, whistle, multi-tool, cell phone, avalanche gear
8. Nutrition: High energy snacks (jerky, trail mix, etc.)
9. Hydration: Water/filter/purifier, cup to melt snow
10. Shelter: Sleeping bag, tent/tarp/bivy/space blanket

Running from north of Leadville to southwest of Salida, the Sawatch Range consists of 15 peaks of 14,000 feet or more including Mt. Elbert, at 14,440 feet the highest in Colorado and second highest in the lower 48 states. The Collegiate Peaks, named after five famous universities, are a part of the range.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Most of the fourteener routes involve Class 2 scrambling or climbing. Only a few fourteeners have hiking routes to the summit. Determine your route based on your ability and others in your group. Roads to the trailhead can oftentimes be a journey on their own, so make sure your vehicle can safely travel to the trailhead. Check the weather forecast ahead of time and plan appropriately.

MAKE A PLAN

Summertime in Colorado’s high country means afternoon thunderstorms, so check the weather beforehand, plan an early start, have a group turnaround time, and be back below tree line by noon. Cell service is spotty to non-existent in the backcountry, so plan for alternative communications. Remember, summiting is optional but returning to the trailhead happy and safe is mandatory!

PACK THE RIGHT GEAR

The old saying goes that if you don’t like the weather in Colorado, then wait five minutes. The weather at 14,000 feet can be radically different than at the trailhead, so make sure your pack includes extra layers, plenty of water, food and the 10 Essentials to get you through an unplanned night.

The Adventure By Nature Pledge is an outreach and education project supporting outdoor recreation, economic and visitor growth in Chaffee County by encouraging responsible recreation, stewardship principles and best practices for visitors and residents recreating in the outdoors.

We believe that stewardship of the environment is everyone’s responsibility. Please help us protect and preserve our home so future generations can enjoy it just as you have.

Chaffee County has two Search and Rescue organizations. These are all volunteer organizations operating under the direction of the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office. Their mission is to provide search and rescue services, as well as outdoor safety education, at no cost to the public.
Please consider purchasing a COSAR Card to ensure Colorado’s search and rescue teams are reimbursed for your rescue.

The Sawatch Range consists of 15 peaks of 14,000 feet or more, including Mt. Elbert at 14,440 feet, the highest in Colorado and second highest in the lower 48 states. The Sawatch Range rises over 7,000 feet from the valley floor to the top of the Continental Divide.