Pagosa Peak is the fifth highest summit in the San Juan Mountains range in Colorado. Located just east of Pagosa Springs, this beautiful peak reaches an elevation of 13,305 feet. With incredible views and a rich history, Pagosa Peak provides the perfect inspiration for riddles and mysteries.
Geography Riddles
Riddle #1
I’m one of Colorado’s mighty mountains, I tower high above the land. Over 13,000 feet I summit, Though not the highest in the band. Pagosa Springs nestles ‘neath my gaze, The San Juan’s noble fifth am I. Name me now, if you know your peaks, And claim your geographical prize.
Answer: Pagosa Peak
Riddle #2
Through uplift and glacial carve, my shape was finely honed. Though an older neighbor’s higher, my beauty’s all my own. From my lofty home I spy, hot pools at foot of slope. And the town that bears my name, my watchful sentry hope.
Answer: Pagosa Peak
History Riddles
Riddle #3
These native tribes knew me well, their lands were all around. Utes and Jicarillas camped here, before the whites had found. This valley where the healing waters flow, they stewarded the land, wildlife, waters long ago.
Answer: The Ute and Jicarilla Apache tribes originally inhabited the area around Pagosa Peak and considered it sacred land.
Riddle #4
A one-armed civil war veteran, came to make his way out west. He wed a Ute-Jicarilla bride, relations were the best. They settled here within my sight, the town bears now their name. Progress marched on steadily, but who were this peaceful pair?
Answer: The town of Pagosa Springs was named after the Ute Chief Pagosa and his one-armed lieutenant Kit Carson’s wife, Singing Bird.
Flora & Fauna Riddles
Riddle #5
My heights are home to this large cat, that silently stalks its prey. Its coat in shades of brown and gray, camouflage by light of day. Elk and deer must wary be, a puma’s stealth attack is quick. Identify this predator, who rules the mountain climax.
Answer: Mountain lion or cougar
Riddle #6
I blanket high alpine peaks in colors bright. My hardy kin can handle cold and wind and ice. We bloom when snow’s receding, a sign of summer nice. We paint the tundra purple, pink, yellow and white.
Answer: Alpine wildflowers
Hiking Riddles
Riddle #7
To climb this peak is quite a chore, the trailhead miles below my face. The intrepid hiker will drive far and park the car, before the ascent can start its race. Muscles will ache and lungs will burn, but views are the sweet reward. Name this trailhead far from town, base camp to climb me, mighty lord.
Answer: Nipple Mountain Trailhead
Riddle #8
I am the route that’s most direct, though informal I may be. The trail-less tundra I traverse, no switchbacks lengthen me. Scrambling hands and feet I go, the quickest way to climb. For experienced peak-baggers, I am the perfect line.
Answer: The East Slopes route (non-technical, but direct scramble to the summit)
Outdoor Recreation Riddles
Riddle #9
In winter I am a playground, for skiers and boarders who shred. “Private powder” is my promise, 81 trails across my spread. Name this resort who calls me home, their lifts and trails are at my feet.
Answer: Wolf Creek Ski Area
Riddle #10
I’m one of Colorado’s treasured trout, that anglers love to catch. My body’s hue is golden, with splotches black as pitch. I battle hard on hooked line, a worthy match I’d say. Rainbow is my more famed cousin, but what are I called preyyy?
Answer: Cutthroat trout
Pagosa Springs Riddles
Riddle #11
My healing waters ancient, the Utes my powers knew. I bubble up from earth’s hot core, minerals imbue each heated drop. Immersion in my steaming pools, sweet relaxing magic make. Give my full and proper name, rare mother nature I am.
Answer: The Pagosa Hot Springs
Riddle #12
This annual festival celebrates music and art and dance. Folks flock here from counties near and far for this peak summer chance. Hot air balloons color the skies, raft races down the San Juan. Name this iconic June jam, that started back in ’09.
Answer: The Pagosa Springs Festival of the Arts
Ancient Legends Riddles
Riddle #13
My people have long held legends of beings not quite human. Tricksters who perturbed and teased, and caused mischief now and then. If treaties they created weren’t kept, these imps would vengeance wreak. Name this supernatural sort, part of Ute ancestral peak.
Answer: Nün’ne’ri, which are supernatural tricksters in Ute legends that were said to live on Pagosa Peak
Riddle #14
Ute tradition spin this tale – an epic winter cold and long. Game was scarce, the hungry tribes faced famine’s grip cruel and strong. An elder made an anguished plea atop the summit high. His mournful wailing pierced the sky, requesting aid on bitter wind. Miraculously there came relief, so what divine being heard?
Answer: According to legend, the Ute elder Evening Star called out for help from the Great Spirit during a harsh winter famine. The Great Spirit heard the elder’s prayer on top of Pagosa Peak and provided the Ute with sustenance.
Peak Views Riddles
Riddle #15
From my lofty privileged perch, vast landscapes come in sight. Verdant valleys, farms and towns, mesa, canyon, cloud and light. Rolling hills of sage and scrub, high peaks both near and distant. Name just one landmark I spy, this view will not disappoint.
Answer: Wolf Creek Pass/Ski Area, Navajo Peak, Chromo Peak, the San Juan River, etc. Pagosa Peak commands views of endless landmarks and landscapes.
Riddle #16
At sunset when rosy alpenglow, graces my rugged face. Shadows cross the San Juan range, nightfall soon to take its place. Lights sparkle now in valley homes, as day gives way to dreams. Describe this gilded evening scene, more breathtaking than it seems.
Answer: Dramatic descriptions of the sunset view from Pagosa Peak overlooking the town of Pagosa Springs and the San Juan Mountains as dusk’s long shadows spread and valley lights slowly flicker on.
Riddles of Stone, Ice and Sky
Riddle #17
Formations weird upon my heights, pattern swirl and line. Sculpted art where once you’d least expect, what strange force made design? The answer’s locked within a word describing frozen water. Does “glacial erratic” now, make my riddled meaning clearer?
Answer: Glacial erratics are large boulders that were transported by flowing glaciers and deposited in odd places across the landscape. Pagosa Peak has many examples of these unusual rock formations left behind by glaciers.
Riddle #18
My crown is often frigid, even when summer warms the land. Snow and ice may linger here, almost all year long I’ll stand. Because my bitter temperatures and the angle of my face. Allow this frozen feature, oft found in alpine space.
Answer: Glaciers – Specifically the glaciers lingering year-round near Pagosa Peak’s summit.
Riddle #19
Floating on high I may appear, to be close enough to touch. Majesty and beauty rule my fluid kingdom’s clutch. Yet try to grasp me if you dare, your efforts will not avail. No earthly hands can hold me,clouds make my diaphanous veil.
Answer: Clouds surrounding Pagosa Peak
Riddle #20
Shafts of ruby, orange light, pierce through cloudy edge or cap. Bright umbrellas dotted across, the alpenglow’s backlit wrap. This optical phenomenon only lasts minutes before the fall. Name this splendid evening show the mountain summits ball.
Answer: Alpenglow – the red or pinkish glow of light during sunrise and sunset, caused by the angle of the sun’s rays hitting mountain peaks.
Miscellaneous Nature Riddles
Riddle #21
We frolic here in wooded glens, bushy tails and fearless charm. Granite peaks our habitat, mischief makers mean no harm. Boldest of our marmot kin, whistles loud to sound alarm. Name our colony’s ground rodent, guardian against stormy harm.
Answer: Yellow-bellied marmots
Riddle #22
Peak ascenders know us as their guide, our shape is arrowhead. Brave climbers have relied on us, the path we steer them ahead. Look above to read the forecast, wise mountaineers take heed. Name these glyphs that mar the sky, warnings that all should read.
Answer: Lenticular clouds
Riddle #23
Needles, spire and slender tower, a city built of stone. Weathering and patient time, have carved each rock a home. What’s this desert landscape called, a granite garden rising? Pagosa cannot claim these ranks, but they are still impressive.
Answer: Hoodoos – the irregular towering pillars of rock left behind by erosion.
Forest Riddles
Riddle #24
In parkland meadows we may dwell, by crystal river bend. But higher up where air is thin, subalpine forests lend their shelter. Hardy trees in leaner soil, we form exclusive stands. Identify this altitude-loving arbor, thriving in thin mountain lands.
Answer: Engelmann spruce, bristlecone pine
Riddle #25
Gold or crimson in the fall, a native Colorado son. My trunk as straight as any arrow, my upturned limbs point toward the sun. Regal height and girth I claim, in groves across the state. Aspen, cottonwood or slim lodgepole, of what species am I named?
Answer: Quaking aspen
Climate and Weather Riddles
Riddle #26
When hot and cold winds collide over Pagosa’s proud crest. Skies may froth and boil with turmoil, as pressure forces converge and test. Name this meteorological wonder, that Pagosa oft withstands. A turbulent maelstrom churning, tempest cloud wall expands.
Answer: Clouds forming along fronts and colliding winds create rotor clouds.
Riddle #27
My freezing cloak wraps the peaks in icy hold. Powder for skiers, peril for hikers bold. Clear and cold, my crystals spark successions of white. Opaque and dim, I bring the threat of an avalanche plight. What am I?
Answer: Snow
Riddles of Adventure
Riddle #28
We glide on air as if flying on feathered wings. current trends and air flow guide us as we weave and dip. Colorful quadrupeds descend from lofty summits leap. Identify these outdoor rides, yellow, blue and boldly striped.
Answer: Hot air balloons
Riddle #29
Increasing thrill I promise, to outdoor adventure crew. Spot me wind and race me down, screaming ride on water blue. Bouncing splash as rapids rock and whipped turns hit waves below. White water rafting challenges, surging spikes of adrenaline flow.
Answer: Whitewater rafting on the San Juan River
Wilderness Protection Riddles
Riddle #30
Remote and wild we’ll stay, by congressional order done. No roads or vehicles enter in, those protections we have won. Wildlife wander wild and free, landscapes untouched by human hands. Name this swath of wilderness, at the San Juan Forest edge I stand.
Answer: South San Juan Wilderness Area
Riddle #31
Once ravaged overgrazed land, that erosion gullies scarred. Conservation efforts revitalized me into what I am. Grasses, shrubs and wildflowers, provide wildlife bounty feed. Streams restored now harbor trout, through progressive steward deeds. Name this once distressed domain, now vibrant refuge freed.
Answer: Pagosa Skyrocket Ranch – formerly devastated overgrazed land near Pagosa Peak, now conserved as a wildlife sanctuary by eco-minded owners.
Forest Trail Riddles
Riddle #32
Follow my winding wooded way, through canyons deep and aspen glades. To scenic overlooks I will guide your strides, perhaps glimpse black bear who through brushy hillside wades. I trace the bubbling San Juan River, anglers take respite along my sides. Name just one of my miles, through mountain beauty I thread and wind.
Answer: Devil Mountain, Snowball, San Juan River trails
Riddle #33
These animal athletes are my namesake, though not a one in sight. Hooves swift as wind across the land, muscled shoulders pumping might. My shaded trail winds past their salt licks and meadow graze enclave. Their earth-pawing snorts may reach you, if quiet tread you brave.
Answer: Elk Trail
Geology Riddles
Riddle #34
Our family’s Scotch and Irish roots, established mining claim. But the silver in the mountains, would not fortune’s ransom pay. So tourism we turned to next, our namesake hot springs tout. Family dynasty still living, hotels spa fame redoubts. What surname links past to present? Their influence a staple yet.
Answer: The Lewis family – Early settlers in Pagosa Springs, attempted mining ventures, eventually shifted to tourism with hot spring establishments that still bear the Lewis name today.
Riddle #35
Violent earth upheavals past, heaved primordial rock on high. Plutons pushed towards heavens, slow cooling formed this noble spine. Pagosa owes her beauty to, processes eons-long unseen. Name the geologic craftsmanship
