Audubon Peak is a mountain summit located in Jefferson County, Colorado. At an elevation of 13,365 feet, it is a prominent peak in the Indian Peaks section of the Front Range. Known for its rugged terrain and stunning views, Audubon Peak offers ample opportunities for exploration and adventure. Let’s dive into 32 riddles about this amazing Colorado mountain!
The Riddles
Riddle 1
Many have heard my name, yet few have seen my face. I tower high above the trees, my rocky cliffs steep. What am I?
Answer: Audubon Peak
Riddle 2
My name honors a famous naturalist, who studied the birds of America. High on a mountain I now sit, through snow and rain and sunny days.
Answer: Audubon Peak (named after naturalist John James Audubon)
Riddle 3
In which U.S. state can you find me, Audubon Peak? I’m not in the East or down South. Go west to the mountains, and there I’ll be found.
Answer: Colorado
Riddle 4
On Audubon Peak the views are grand, of mountain ranges on every side. Part of the Front Range I’m deemed, next to peaks both far and wide.
Answer: Audubon Peak is located in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. It sits next to other peaks in the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
Riddle 5
What county can I be found in? Not Denver, that’s too far east. Look northwest of the Mile High City, and you’ll find my mountain seat.
Answer: Jefferson County, Colorado
Riddle 6
Over 13,000 feet tall I stand, well above the mountain tree line. A high elevation peak I am, with views that are sublime.
Answer: Audubon Peak is 13,365 feet tall.
Riddle 7
The Native Americans had a name, for this peak where eagles fly. “Long Mountain” they used to say, and now you know the reason why.
Answer: Long Mountain was the Native American name for Audubon Peak, likely because of its long summit ridge.
Riddle 8
In what mountain range am I found? This range cuts north to south. It’s not the Rockies main divide, but “front” is in the name I now live by.
Answer: The Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado
Riddle 9
To climb my summit is quite a chore, the routes are steep and unmaintained. Technical skills a climber needs, to avoid the rocks where I have reigned.
Answer: Climbing Audubon Peak requires technical rock and ice climbing skills due to its steep, unmaintained routes.
Riddle 10
What Outdoor company makes gear, that’s named just like this peak? toplevel packs and tents they sell, for climbers their summit to seek.
Answer: The outdoor gear company Patagonia is named after the Patagonia region, similar to how Audubon is named after naturalist John James Audubon.
Riddle 11
A famous east-west trail passes by, not far north from my lofty site. Extending from Denver to Grand Lake, it’s popular with hikers who take delight.
Answer: The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail passes north of Audubon Peak on its route from Denver to Grand Lake.
Riddle 12
In which Wilderness Area am I contained? This protected landscape spans indian Peaks. Pristine lakes and forests untouched, home to deer, elk and other mountain peaks.
Answer: Audubon Peak sits inside the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area.
Riddle 13
A national park I am not, though some think that should have been my fate. Instead protected wilderness I remain, undeveloped, pristine, and great.
Answer: Audubon Peak is not a national park, but part of a wilderness area. Some argue it should have been included in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Riddle 14
On my summit no roads exist, to cars I am impassable. By foot is the only way, up the steep and rocky trails one must scramble.
Answer: There are no roads to the summit of Audubon Peak. It can only be accessed on foot by hiking up steep, unmaintained trails.
Riddle 15
In former days a fire lookout stood, atop my summit so very high. Watching forsmoke by day and night, the lookout kept a careful eye.
Answer: There was once a fire lookout tower on the summit of Audubon Peak used for spotting wildfires.
Riddle 16
A sad story goes with the fire tower, its purpose the forest rangers did serve. But to ravens it became a roost, and so the tower had to be removed.
Answer: The fire lookout on Audubon Peak was eventually removed because it became a nesting site for ravens, hampering its fire detection purpose.
Riddle 17
In 1932 the fire tower was built, after decades of fires around. For 30 years it stood watchful, until the ravens caused it to come down.
Answer: The Audubon Peak fire lookout tower was built in 1932 and removed 30 years later in the 1960s after becoming a problem raven roost.
Riddle 18
Today on my summit you can still find, remnants where the old tower once stood. Concrete footings in the rocks remain, a relic of the lookout neighborhood.
Answer: Though the fire tower is long gone, remnants of its concrete footings can still be found on the summit of Audubon Peak.
Riddle 19
My summit offers views that inspire, vistas that make spirits soar. From here you can see so far, from valley lakes to mountains galore.
Answer: The summit of Audubon Peak provides stunning views of mountain vistas, valleys and lakes of the Indian Peaks region.
Riddle 20
Looking east from my lofty crown, a national park you can see. Rocky Mountain is its iconic name, in view from this great perch of mine.
Answer: Views from the top of Audubon Peak look east over Rocky Mountain National Park.
Riddle 21
Turn south from my summit to behold, the mountains called Arapahoe. Their high peaks are an inspiring sight, when viewed from my rocky height.
Answer: Looking south from Audubon Peak you can see the high summits of the Arapaho Peaks Wilderness.
Riddle 22
Two fourteener summits can be spied, from my airy mountain throne. Grays and Torreys their names be told, both over fourteen thousand feet tall I’m told.
Answer: The fourteen thousand foot summits of Grays Peak and Torreys Peak can be seen from Audubon’s summit.
Riddle 23
Most who summit me do so with care, climbing slowly up my slopes. The air is thin when you reach the top, where cautiously you walk and stop.
Answer: Due to the high elevation, hikers must ascend Audubon Peak slowly and carefully to avoid altitude sickness at the summit.
Riddle 24
What time of year is best to climb? When snows have melted off my face. Summer months are ideal you’ll find, though wind may give your stamina a test.
Answer: The best time to climb Audubon Peak is summer when snow has melted, though wind can still be strong.
Riddle 25
A winding creek flows down my sides, carrying snowmelt to valleys below. This creek’s an important waterway, though when you climb you’ll walk above its flow.
Answer: There is a winding creek, intermittently flowing with snowmelt, that descends from Audubon Peak.
Riddle 26
What is the name of the main trail, that leads to my summit so high? This long and steeply rising path, is known to test the lungs and thighs.
Answer: The main hiking trail ascending Audubon Peak is the James Peak Trail.
Riddle 27
Another route climbs my western slopes, this one’s more direct but rough. Up the gullies climbers scramble, the Ute Trail it’s named as such.
Answer: The Ute Trail provides a direct but very rugged route up the west slopes of Audubon Peak.
Riddle 28
Wildlife wander through my forests, and across my alpine wilds. Pikas dart among the boulder fields, where marmots also reside.
Answer: Wildlife like pikas and yellow-bellied marmots inhabit the high elevation slopes of Audubon Peak.
Riddle 29
What is the other famous mountain, that shares my name Audubon? In Arizona’s south you’ll find this peak, in Coronado National Forest it reached its acclaim.
Answer: Mount Audubon is another peak named after John James Audubon located in Arizona.
Riddle 30
A month each year I give my name, to celebrate birds and nature. In this month many people birdwatch, learning species from bunting to vulture.
Answer: May is Audubon Month, named after naturalist John James Audubon. It celebrates birds, nature and birdwatching.
Riddle 31
I’m not the tallest of the Indian Peaks, that honor goes to one now gone. James Peak was once highest, but erosion has lowered it some.
Answer: At one time James Peak was the highest in the Indian Peaks but erosion has reduced its height, making Audubon Peak now highest.
Riddle 32
When will you come pay me a visit? Enjoy the splendor of my scenes? Just bring good gear and stamina, and we’ll share my peaks and evergreen trees!
Answer: The riddle invites and encourages the reader to come explore Audubon Peak for themselves!
Conclusion
Audubon Peak is a wonderful Colorado mountain with incredible history and sights! Exploring its slopes and summit provides beautiful vistas and a fun hiking challenge. I hope these 32 riddles have helped you learn about this amazing peak. Now get out there and experience Audubon Peak for yourself!
