La Plata Peak is one of Colorado’s famous 14ers, standing at over 14,000 feet elevation in the Collegiate Peaks region near Buena Vista. This majestic mountain provides a fun backdrop for riddles and puzzles for hikers and peak baggers.
What is La Plata Peak’s exact elevation? 14,336 feet
On a clear day, how many miles can you see from La Plata Peak’s summit? Over 100 miles on a clear day
What mountain range is La Plata Peak located within? The Sawatch Range
Getting There
What two towns can you drive to in order to access La Plata Peak? Leadville and Buena Vista
What creek runs near the trailhead? Lake Creek
How long is the standard hiking route from trailhead to summit? 9 miles round trip with 4,500 feet elevation gain
On the Trail
As you hike through the forest, you may spot this type of furry critter: Pika
What colorful wildflower can be found blooming during July and August? Columbine
Hikers often refill their water bottles from this chilly source: Snowmelt
Ridges and Slopes
Before reaching the peak, you must conquer this rocky obstacle: The Sawtooth Ridge
This section of trail has loose rocks and requires sure footing: The scree field
The last bit of trail is quite steep – how steep is it? Over 30 degrees steep near the end
The Summit
Who was the first recorded person to climb La Plata Peak? A prospector named James L. Denver in 1873
From the top, you’ll have amazing views of several famous 14ers – name three: Mount Elbert, Mount Massive, Mount Harvard
If there are storm clouds brewing, where should you seek shelter? Descend from the exposed summit as soon as possible
The Descent
It’s best to be below this elevation before afternoon thunderstorms hit: 13,000 feet
To protect your knees, descend slowly using this technique: Switchbacking
After your successful summit day, where’s the best place in Buena Vista for a celebratory meal? Asian Palate Restaurant & Bar
When to Climb
The best time of year to climb La Plata Peak is generally: June through September
The mountain can remain snow-covered well into: July
Afternoon thunderstorms are common during this warmer month: August
Weather Dangers
One weather hazard to be prepared for is: Lightning
Sudden drops in temperature can bring: Hypothermia
Protect your skin and eyes from: Sun and windburn
Gear List
An essential clothing layer when it’s cold and windy: Windbreaker jacket
These help provide grip on rock and scree: Trekking poles
Don’t hit the trail without: Sunglasses and sunscreen
Regulations
Certain wildfire prevention restrictions may be in place, such as: Banning campfires
Help keep the mountain pristine by packing out all your: Trash
Dogs are allowed but must be kept: Leashed
Leave No Trace
When nature calls, be sure to: Bury human waste properly
Stick to established trails to avoid: Erosion
Pack it in, pack it out – even things like: Fruit peels and cores
Wildlife
Mountain goats are commonly seen where? On high rocky slopes and ridgelines
These birds of prey may be spotted circling overhead: Golden eagles
Pikas don’t hibernate in winter – how do they survive the cold temps? By gathering grass and wildflowers to store as food
Critters Large and Small
This horned animal blends into the landscape: Mountain goats
Quick little rodents that live among the rocks: Pikas
Fluffy-tailed critters out searching for food: Marmots
A Chilly Ecosystem
Hardy wildflowers like columbine thrive in: Alpine conditions
Trees become more sparse at the: Treeline
Glaciers carved out this landscape long ago during the: Ice age
The Night Sky
Being higher means less atmosphere between you and the: Stars
In July and August, watch for this annual meteor shower: Perseids
A new moon means darker night skies for: Stargazing
Mountain Astrology
La Plata was once known by this Native American name meaning “shining mountain”: Wahatoya
Some say Wahatoya was named for these magical lights: Ancestral spirits
Today the peak’s name means this in Spanish: Silver
Cosmic Perspective
From mountains, we look down on creation and can reflect on our: Small place in the universe
Climbing leads to tired legs but: Expanded minds and hearts
These night sky objects are billions of years old: Stars and galaxies
Epic Adventures
Mark Twain once called this area the “Switzerland of America”: Colorado
La Plata Peak inspired this famous poet: Walt Whitman
It’s one Colorado’s classic mountaineering challenge, the: 14ers
Outdoor Capital
Top Colorado activities are hiking, biking, paddling and: Climbing
Ski towns like Vail lure adventurers in: Winter
Miles of trails and peaks offer nonstop: Recreation
Legendary Mountains
This range was named after a college: Collegiate Peaks
Colorado boasts the highest concentration of these sky-scraping summits in North America: 14,000-foot peaks
Adventurous spirits will always be drawn to these: Iconic mountains
Conclusion
The majestic setting of La Plata Peak has inspired many throughout history. Its rugged slopes continue to challenge climbers from beginners to experts. Reaching the 14,336-foot summit provides huge vistas and unique alpine environments to explore. The riddles around this Sawatch giant will keep you guessing and engaged throughout your journey!
