Compiled 1999 by David Olson. Expanded and revised 2003-7 by Ryan Schilling.
Computer assistance from Edward Earl, limited review by Andy Martin.
Prominence: Elevation difference between a peak's summit and the lowest contour that encircles it and no higher summit. †
Notes by Andy: David's work on this list is impressive, as most of it was independent of Edward's computer generated prominence listings, which have been used extensively on similar lists for other states.
24 of the top 100 peaks are 14ers, and 22 of them are county high points. The top ten peaks listed are an impressive bunch, but many interesting 14ers are left off the overall list. To avoid endless controversy, we have used the 'MOST PROMINENT' verbiage on this list in place of the customary 'FINEST' that is used on other western state prominence lists. Hundreds of hikers have completed the Colorado 14er list, but it is unlikely that completers of this list will be numbered in the hundreds any time soon.
Ute Peak, in 8th place on this list, is perhaps the most under-hiked Colorado peak, as it is only 9,979' high, is not a county HP, and lies on an Indian reservation. The most unappealing "peak" on the list may be the 2 possible high points of the Piņon Mesa, a cut-off section of the Uncompahgre Plateau.
Bob Martin has climbed 99 of the 100 most prominent Colorado peaks, but he has been unable to get permission to climb Ute Peak (assistance is welcomed). He is the only person known to have come so close to completing the top 100.
Notes by Ryan: In January 2005, I published the expanded Most Prominent list, which features all 426 peaks with greater than 1000 feet of prominence in the state, and I added the list of Prominence Peaks by County. Despite my best efforts, errors do tend to creep into projects of this scope, so if you notice any mistakes or omissions, please don't hesitate to email me.
As a visual aid to this list, Aaron Maizlish has created a gorgeous map of Colorado detailing the relative positions of the 81 peaks with greater than 2000' of prominence. He also has maps online for most of the other western states published here.
Inspired by Aaron's work, in January of 2006, I published a similarly minded Colorado map showing every peak with greater than 1000' of prominence.
Are you climbing Colorado's prominence peaks? Keep track of your progress at John Kirk's member site.
Colorado's 100 Most Prominent Peaks
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