Tucked away in the Colorado Rockies lies the majestic McClellan Mountain. Though not as famous as some of Colorado’s higher peaks, McClellan has a rich history and beautiful wilderness that is ripe for exploration. As you venture through forests and meadows, climb rocky scrambles, and take in scenic vistas, ponder these 49 riddles about McClellan Mountain. The answers reveal fascinating facts and insights into this special place.
Nature Riddles
Flora
What blankets the mountain in white clusters every summer?
Answer: The flowers of the elderberry shrubs that grow abundantly on McClellan.
Twisted and turning, this ancient one brings great age and wisdom to the mountain. What is it?
Answer: A bristlecone pine, some over 1500 years old, grow on McClellan’s rugged slopes.
What fire follower grows only after flames have cleared the way?
Answer: Morel mushrooms sprout in abundance in areas burned the previous year.
Fauna
I soar on wings that seem to touch the heavens. My cries echo off McClellan’s rock walls. What am I?
Answer: A golden eagle, at home amongst McClellan Mountain’s crags and cliffs
We scramble on four paws, munching plants from meadows and forests. Our bushy tails and masked faces give us away. What are we?
Answer: McClellan is home to raccoons, foxes, and other small mammals.
Though I once swam streams and alpine lakes, I now hop through montane forests. Bright yellow and black, I am poison to eat! What am I?
Answer: The Cascades frog lives on McClellan Mountain.
Weather
I form when warm air rises into the cold mountain tops. Wispy shapes constantly change as I dance past McClellan’s peaks. What am I?
Answer: Clouds create ever-changing scenes around the mountain.
We crash and boom over McClellan after building all afternoon amongst the peaks. Bolt your tents when you hear our angry roar! What are we?
Answer: Summer thunderstorms frequently blow in during late afternoons.
I glisten white on McClellan’s heights while in valleys I appear as rain. I reappear each winter to cloak the mountain in crystal sheen. What am I?
Answer: Snow falls heavily on McClellan Mountain for much of the year.
Human History Riddles
Native Peoples
We hunted McClellan’s forests and gathered plants from its meadows for generations uncounted. Petroglyphs and stone tools mark the sites where we made camp. Who are we?
Answer: Ute tribes traditionally inhabited areas around McClellan Mountain.
This hardy grain sustained natives on McClellan Mountain for over a thousand years. Still found growing wild, it pops when heated for a tasty treat! What is it?
Answer: Natives gathered wild rice grass from mountain meadows and mesas.
Narrow trails used to access McClellan’s rich bounty, I connected camps and led the way to sacred sites high on the mountain. What am I?
Answer: Native American foot trails crisscross all over McClellan.
Pioneer History
We hunted deer and elk during summer on McClellan while wintering our cattle down below. Our log homes still stand, abandoned, in high mountain parks. Who are we?
Answer: 19th century pioneers ran cattle operations in the area.
Packs of us carried supplies and gear to mining camps scattered under McClellan’s peaks. Though no longer used as beasts of burden, some of our descendants still roam McClellan. What are we?
Answer: Mining brought mules and burros to work claims on McClellan Mountain.
Venturing deep on McClellan to escape the long arm of the law, I found only hardship and heartache in remote mining camps. Who am I?
Answer: Outlaws and criminals often hid amongst mining camps.
Modern History
Young men eager for adventure rushed to join us when world war stirred in 1917. We trained under McClellan’s peaks for the trenches of France. Who are we?
Answer: The 10th U.S. Infantry division trained at Camp Hale by McClellan Mountain.
Roaring engines and swirling rotors announce my arrival at remote sites to hastily transport fallen hikers or injured wildlife to urgent care. Who am I?
Answer: Medical and high altitude rescue helicopters frequently work on McClellan Mountain.
Studying global warming trends, monitoring air quality, and tracking wildlife: we utilize McClellan Mountain as an outdoor research lab. What are we?
Answer: Scientists conduct all kinds of ecological research around McClellan.
Recreation Riddles
Hiking
Crisscrossing McClellan’s high open meadows, we provide breathless vistas for those willing to climb. What are we?
Answer: Trails traverse over tundra to peaks and passes around McClellan.
Carved of stout timber and packed with stone and soil, we allow hikers dry passage through marshes and creeks on McClellan. What are we?
Answer: Bridges and boardwalks protect delicate high-altitude wetlands.
Marked with stone stacks, colorful ties, or simple words scratched into trees, we show the ways to treasures hidden high on McClellan. What are we?
Answer: Cairns, prayer flags, and trail blazes guide hikers around McClellan.
Climbing
Craggy outcrops loom high over McClellan Valley begging to be scaled. We grant climbers access to their vertical realm. What are we?
Answer: Established climbing routes set by pioneers before.
Wedged in cracks, dangling from roofs, or glued to face holds, we protect daring climbers high on McClellan. Pull us to avoid a scary fall! What are we?
Answer: Climbing cams, nuts, and bolts allow for safely scaling cliffs and slabs.
Woven from unique patterns of polygons and cracks, we climb endlessly skyward promising airy exposure and panoramic views atop McClellan. What are we?
Answer: Ancient granite domes create spectacular climbing on McClellan Mountain.
Camping
Ringed with soaring spires above and wildflower meadows below, we provide idyllic sites to pitch your tent under McClellan’s peaks. What are we?
Answer: Mountain parks with views abound for car camping or backpacking.
Dug into sunny slopes or nestled amongst towering pines, we give shelter from rain and wind on McClellan’s shoulders. A metal bear box is always close by! What are we?
Answer: Designated campsites provide safety for camping around McClellan.
Gurgling from rock seeps, meandering through marshes, or tumbling down the mountainside: follow us to quench your thirst while exploring McClellan! What are we?
Answer: Creeks and rivers provide fresh water for drinking and washing.
Peak Bagging Riddles
Mount McClelland
I may not be Colorado’s highest peak, but I tower over the town below. Scramble up my summit block and sign the old register hidden inside. What peak am I?
Answer: At 12,322 feet, Mount McClelland is one of the tallest peaks around.
Climbing this steep gully littered with loose boulders will land you atop my airy crown. Just watch out for mountain goats guarding their turf! Which McClellan peak holds this route?
Answer: Southeast Gully is the standard way to scale Mount McClelland.
Gaining this McClellan summit requires miles of walking before a rocky climb tops out close to 13,000 feet elevation. Are the views worth it? For sure! What peak did you attain?
Answer: At 12,989 feet, Mount Owen is McClellan’s northernmost peak.
Other Peaks
Scrambling my shale-covered slopes rewards hardy hikers with sweeping vistas over the valley below. A small tarn tucked below my west face makes a scenic destination. Which McClellan Mountain summit did you reach?
Answer: Peak 10,932 feet has nice views and an alpine lake.
Follow the winding trail up through colorful rock layers to my flat, meadow-covered top. Watch out for lightning though – no trees grow here to hide under! Where are you?
Answer: Peak 10,600 feet is known for its geology and wildflowers.
A rocky ramble over my double summits grants access to the secluded valley on my northern flanks. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep lingers amongst my crags. What twin peaks did you climb?
Answer: The Sisters peaks reach 11,312 feet elevation.
Destination Riddles
Lakes
My deep blue waters shimmer beneath the rugged cliffs of Mount McCelland – stop here to soak tired feet after a long hike! Which alpine lake am I?
Answer: Sapphire Lake is a scenic destination nestled below Mt. McClelland.
My name comes from the yellow wild irises dotting my marshy shores in early summer. Lazy trout swim in my shallow waters warmed by the summer sun. What hidden gem am I?
Answer: Iris Lake lies off trail deep in the backcountry.
This chain of glacial pools linked by tiny waterfalls offers cool solace during hot summer days. Just follow McCelland Creek to find my blue waters. Which group of tarns am I?
Answer: The Seven Lakes are accessible right from the McClelland Creek Trail.
Waterfalls
My waters plunge over an elevated slab of stone polished smooth by millennia of falling water. Moss-covered boulders below offer refreshment on hot days. Which cascade boasts this charming scene?
Answer: Bridal Veil Falls has a classic waterfall look.
Fifty feet of tumbling white water releases energy stored from long-buried snowpack. Find me in late summer to see McClellan Creek rage! Which falls puts on this showy display?
Answer: Ramsey Falls has an impressive flow during peak runoff.
This delicate ribbon pours slowly over rock steps clad in mineral stains. Though small, I am one of the highest waterfalls around. Where will you discover my cascade?
Answer: Sunset Falls trickles down a colorful cliff band at almost 12,000 feet elevation.
Canyons
Follow my shaded cleft between soaring walls stained yellow, pink, and orange by seeping minerals. Lush ferns sprout from my mossy floor in this secret mountain refuge. What hidden gorge conceals such beauty?
Answer: Rainbow Canyon lives up to its colorful name.
High above tree line, my u-shaped gully provides easy passage between craggy summits and glacier-carved basins. Mountain goats traverse my rocky course during summer months. What high route takes this path?
Answer: Goat Canyon links high alpine areas above treeline.
My sinuous gorge winds deep into McClellan’s core, the river within carving smooth potholes and plunging pools into bedrock. Spray-soaked mosses line my cool course. Where runs this delightful defile?
Answer: Paradise Canyon deepens as McClelland Creek drops off the mountain.
Conclusion
As these riddles reveal, McClellan Mountain offers diverse ecosystems, rich history, and endless adventures. Whether you come for a short hike or week-long backpacking trip, discoveries await: soaring summits with panoramic views, crystalline alpine lakes, and thundering cascades hidden deep in sun-dappled canyons filled with vibrant wildflowers, elusive wildlife sightings, remnants of Native American tribes and 19th century pioneers, and much more! Though lesser known than Colorado’s famous “fourteeners”, McClellan Mountain holds its own allure for explorers willing to venture off-trail into wild landscapes. Have we piqued your curiosity? Come discover McClellan’s secrets for yourself!
