Handies Peak is a mountain in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado. At 14,058 feet elevation, it is the highest peak in the Handies mountains. Handies Peak is known for its rugged terrain, abandoned mines, and spectacular views. Let’s explore this amazing mountain through 51 fun riddles!
Riddle #1
I’m one of the highest mountains around, with an elevation quite profound. Skiers love zipping down my steep terrain, hoping their legs won’t be filled with pain! What mountain am I?
Answer: Handies Peak
Riddle #2
I’m an old building left decaying on Handies Peak where miners once worked. With broken windows and creaky floors, I’m filled with ghosts from the mountain’s ore-filled cores. What am I?
Answer: An abandoned mine
Riddle #3
We’re stunning natural formations found on Handies Peak’s hike. Towering high like a stone skyscraper, climbers love our vertical landscape. What are we?
Answer: Rock spires
Riddle #4
I’m Handies Peak’s most famous abandoned mine, once bustling with miners searching within. My name starts with an A and ends with “Mine” – many seek my remains hidden behind the pines. What historic mine am I?
Answer: American Tunnel Mine
Riddle #5
I’m the Colorado town closest to Handies Peak, a jumping off point for hikers who the mountain seek. I border the San Juan National Forest, where adventurers are frequently seen driving in. What historic mining town am I?
Answer: Lake City
Riddle #6
We’re the ghost towns remain near Handies Peak, where dilapidated buildings creak and leak. Once filled with prospectors who flocked here for gold, now we’re abandoned and battered from the mountain winds and cold. What are we?
Answer: Animas Forks and Eureka
Riddle #7
I’m the nonprofit organization that manages Handies Peak, maintaining trails and protecting this landscape. We promote stewardship of public lands for all to freely use and enjoy. What group are we?
Answer: U.S. Forest Service
Riddle #8
I’m the 2-mile trail leading hikers up Handies Peak most directly. Steep and rocky underfoot, I’m no walk in the park – but summit views make the trek worth every step! What’s my name?
Answer: American Basin Trail
Riddle #9
I’m the alpine lake below Handies Peak where hikers rest their weary feet. My bright blue waters reflect the mountain scenery, a postcard-perfect spot for photos with glee! What placid lake am I?
Answer: American Lake
Riddle #10
I’m the 13,900-foot mountain next door to Handies Peak. We’re the two highest points above American Basin, our ridges always white with ice and snow. Who is my rocky neighbor?
Answer: Redcloud Peak
Riddle #11
We’re the cold winds that frequently blast Handies Peak. Roaring down from the Continental Divide, we hurry skiers downhill on a frigid ride! What gusty gales are we?
Answer: Alpine winds
Riddle #12
I’m the month when wildflowers bloom on Handies Peak. Snow starts melting to reveal colorful blooms, signaling that spring and summer shall soon resume! What month am I?
Answer: July
Riddle #13
I’m a sport where athletes ride boards down Handies Peak. Weaving through trees and launching off drops, our legs burn while mountain air fills our chests! What exhilarating activity are we doing?
Answer: Snowboarding
Riddle #14
We’re the family of animals found high on Handies Peak. Munching grass and climbing mountain cliffs using cloven split-toed hooves. What horned ungulates are we?
Answer: Mountain goats
Riddle #15
I’m the 14,000-foot peak that sits right next to Handies. Share the same stunning views and mining history too – some say we’re the “twin peaks” of this mountainous crew! What’s my name?
Answer: Redcloud Peak
Riddle #16
I’m the sunny wildflower meadow on Handies Peak. Filled with blooms like columbine, paintbrush and flax – oh what a glorious alpine sight for sore eyes to behold and relax! Where am I?
Answer: American Basin
Riddle #17
I’m the mine near Handies Peak now covered in snow, a perilous place where only experienced climbers should go. Deep vertical shaft and rotting timbers below – not for the faint of heart or acrophobic to know! What treacherous mine am I?
Answer: Silver Pick Mine
Riddle #18
I’m the mountain conifer tree found high on Handies Peak. Growing slowly but living long, I thrive on harsh conditions all year long. My bark resembles furrows in your skin – what hardy tree am I?
Answer: Bristlecone pine
Riddle #19
I’m the knobby hiking footwear worn while summiting Handies Peak. With deep lugs for traction and sturdy support, I grip slick rocks while crampons kick without remorse. What am I?
Answer: Hiking boots
Riddle #20
I’m the 2-mile trail that leads hikers up to American Basin below Handies Peak. Wandering near old mines and mountain cliffs so steep, where adventurers must cross a cold rushing creek! What’s my rugged name?
Answer: American Basin 4WD Road
Riddle #21
I’m the historic city near Handies Peak where miners migrated. My downtown has Victorian architecture telling tales of prospectors long faded. What historic Colorado boomtown am I?
Answer: Lake City
Riddle #22
I’m Handies Peak’s first ever recorded ascent. Two men and woman trekked for hours to admire sweeping views into the distance. They felt quite an achievement, but weren’t devoid of heart palpitation! What year did I happen?
Answer: 1872
Riddle #23
I’m the alpine animal found way up high on Handies Peak. Hopping over rocks and munching plants using strong hind legs that help me leap. With silky fur that turns white in winter to match the snowy landscape. What long-eared mammal am I?
Answer: Pika
Riddle #24
I’m Handies Peak’s neighbor just slightly lower in height. At 13,809 feet I still tower tall over valleys green and bright. What proximate summit am I?
Answer: Sunshine Peak
Riddle #25
We’re the cold and windy months when Handies Peak sees lots of snow. Few hikers venture our gusty days when flurries dance to and fro. What wintry pair of seasons are we?
Answer: January and February
Riddle #26
I’m Handies Peak’s famous abandoned mine found near the start of the trail. Once filled with miners excavating precious ores – now vacant and frail. What historic mine beginning with “A” am I?
Answer: American Tunnel mine
Riddle #27
I’m the outdoor gear brought to safely hike up Handies Peak. Water, food, first aid kit – I’ve got all necessities covered in case trouble is met! What preparedness pack am I?
Answer: Daypack
Riddle #28
I’m the ghost town sitting right below Handies Peak. I sprang up during the mining rush then busted once the ores no longer came in a crush. What spooky abandoned place beginning with “A” am I?
Answer: Animas Forks
Riddle #29
We’re the cold winds frequently hitting Handies Peak. Blasted by air straight from the Arctic sea, we rush down slopes making skiers Bundle up in glee! What wintry winds are we?
Answer: Arctic winds
Riddle #30
I’m the sport where athletes slide down Handies Peak on one board or two skis. Racing downhill at breakneck pace, carving slopes is our heart-pumping space! What snow sport am I?
Answer: Downhill skiing
Riddle #31
I’m the ghost town near Handies Peak now in decay. Once filled with prospectors in their heyday, now just empty buildings where only the wind dares play. What creepy place am I?
Answer: Eureka
Riddle #32
I’m the alpine flower found blooming near Handies Peak. My blue petals resemble propellers and take flight in the summer sunlight. What colorful plant am I?
Answer: Blue columbine
Riddle #33
I’m the tricky rock climbing route on Handies Peak. Requiring ropes, nerves of steel and hands gripped tight – where one wrong move means a terrifying long flight! What’s my daring name?
Answer: K2
Riddle #34
I’m the summertime month when wildflowers bloom low on Handies Peak. Snow starts melting to reveal colorful spots, signaling warm weather shall soon take over mountain tops! What month am I?
Answer: June
Riddle #35
I’m the free public land surrounding Handies Peak managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Hikers and skiers venture through my forests and peaks without opening their purse! What area am I?
Answer: San Juan National Forest
Riddle #36
I’m the abandoned mine on Handies Peak now collapsed and gone. Once containing tunnels where miners worked hard before precious metals moved on. What deteriorating site beginning with “G” am I?
Answer: Grizzly Bear mine
Riddle #37
We’re the jagged peaks viewable from Handies summit so high. Our craggy outlines pierce the sky while glaciers chill on mountain slopes nearby. What row of summits are we?
Answer: The Grenadier Range
Riddle #38
I’m the giant canyon visible east from Handies Peak. Carved long ago by a fierce river unrelenting and bleak. What’s my grand name found worldwide?
Answer: Grand Canyon
Riddle #39
I’m the zigzagging trail taking hikers up to Handies Peak. Switchback after switchback I wind ever higher, leaving lungs gasping thinner and thinner air! What route am I?
Answer: American Basin Trail
Riddle #40
We’re the pile of rocks stacked by hikers atop mountain summits like Handies Peak. Meant as landmarks and to symbolize one’s feat, we’re built by many travelers tired legs meet! What cairns are we?
Answer: Summit cairns
Riddle #41
I’m the 14,000-foot peak southeast of Handies with its own amazing views. My name is of Native American origin translating to “sun mountain” – an accurate description indeed! What neighboring summit am I?
Answer: Sunshine Peak
Riddle #42
I’m the ghost town below Handies Peak now deserted and remote. I sprang up fast when miners flocked here feverish searching for their pot of gold. What creepy abandoned place am I?
Answer: Animas Forks
Riddle #43
I’m the month when wildflowers start blooming below Handies Peak. Snow melts to reveal colorful spots, signaling warmer weather shall take over mountain tops! What month am I?
Answer: July
Riddle #44
I’m Handies tallest abandoned mine nearly 14,000 feet high. Reached only by expert mountaineers willing to risk life and limb to access my vertical entry nigh. What notorious shaft am I?
Answer: Silver Pick Mine
Riddle #45
We’re the pile of rocks marking the summit point atop Handies Peak. Constructed by generations of hikers at our absolute height, we proudly display a cheeryangle staff glowing bright! What are we?
Answer: Summit cairn
Riddle #46
I’m the ghost town near Lake City with buildings from Handies mining days. Saloons, stores and houses stand decaying amidst mountain views ablaze. What creepy place am I?
Answer: Animas Forks
Riddle #47
I’m the ruin near Handies Peak where old mines and machinery decay. Once loud with the sounds of industrial excavation night and day. What place beginning with “E” am I?
Answer: Eureka
Riddle #48
I’m the famous Colorado mountain town and launch point for Handies Peak. Known for Victorian architecture and landscapes that make jaws drop quick. What historic place am I?
Answer: Lake City
Riddle #49
We’re the pile of rocks left by hikers atop mountain summits high. Meant to symbolize one’s feat, we’re built stone by stone until a tower meets the sky! What are we?
Answer: Summit cairns
Riddle #50
I’m the mine near Handies Peak where icy walls require ropes and ice tools. Reached only by expert climbers willing to inch up slippery shoots. What notorious vertical shaft am I?
Answer: Silver Pick Mine
Riddle #51
I’m the striking scenic byway traveling past Handies Peak so grand. Linking historic mountain towns filled with vestiges of mining bands. What route am I called?
Answer: Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed these 51 riddles about Handies Peak! This rugged 14,000-foot mountain in Colorado has a fascinating history and landscape to explore. From abandoned mines to alpine lakes and wildflower meadows, Handies Peak offers spectacular scenery and recreation. Solving riddles is a fun way to learn more about this iconic Rocky Mountain summit. Now get out and enjoy Handies Peak’s splendor for yourself!
