Lizard Head Pass, CO

Like the other high peaks of the San Juans, the three fourteeners in Lizard Head consist of igneous intrusions - molten rock that stopped short of the surface and cooled into granite - denser and more resistant than the surrounding volcanic rocks. The Lizard Head formation is an exception to this rule; this free-standing spire is a volcanic neck that crumbled into its present form. Climbing guidebooks call 13,113 foot Lizard Head the most difficult summit in Colorado and do not recommend attempting it because its rock is rotten and unsafe.

A 400 feet tall rock pinnacle gave rise to the name Lizard Head. In the 1890's the peak apparently resembled a lizard. One story goes that one night a loud rumble filled the area and local residents thought there had been an earthquake. However the next day it became apparent that there had been a large rock fall at the peak and it may have lost its lizard like appearance.

Named for a prominent spire near Lizard Head Pass, this area contains the westernmost 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado. Located in the San Juan Mountain, these fourteeners provide much of the recreational allure of the area, but they are not for the fainthearted. Mount Wilson and El Diente ("the tooth") post two of the most difficult climbs in the state; the exposed knife-edged ridge that connects the peaks can cause an apoplectic reaction among acrophobics.

This was the drive from Montrose, CO to Durango, it was just beautiful. There doesn't seem to be any disappointing views in Colorado!