The Collegiate Peaks Wilderness may very well possess the highest average elevation of any wilderness area in the contiguous 48 states. Eight peaks exceeding 14,000 feet are found here, including the state's third and fifth highest summits, Mount Harvard and La Plata Peak. In addition, another half-dozen peaks soar over 13,800 feet. More than 40 miles of the Continental Divide follow the crest of the Sawatch Range in what is arguably the pinnacle of the North American continent, for the divide never reaches a higher point between the Isthmus of Panama and the Arctic Circle than it does in the Sawatch Range. Colorado's two highest peaks, Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, march north from the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness like two giant stepping stones.

Designated wilderness area in 1980.

 

My journey of more than 8 days, included the warmup climb of Mt. Elbert. The 4 "Fourteeners", which included Oxford, Belford, Missourri and Elbert, allowed me to experience the pleasure of their summit views. I never felt more alive! I also climbed and descended Elkhead Pass (Elev 13,200 ft), the second highest pass in CO. A total of 57.3 miles was trekked, 18.2 with full-pack, and 39.1 with summit-pack. Max daily climbing elev was 2390 ft with full-pack and 4862 ft. with summit-pack.

 

"In the end, it would not be the mountain that I conquered; I might stand on its summit for a brief moment, but my achievement would be conquering my own doubts and fears."

 

Gary Scott, 2003