Hayden Mountain - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

There's no shortage of things to do at Hayden Mountain in Ouray County, Colorado. In the summer, hikers can explore the numerous trails that wind through the area. For those who want a more challenging hike, the nearby Bear Creek Trail offers stunning views of the valley below. In the winter, the mountain is a popular destination for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. And no matter what time of year it is, visitors can enjoy stargazing in one of the darkest night skies in the country.

The mountain was named after Ferdinand Hayden, who was a geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey. Hayden surveyed the area in 1877 and noted the presence of mineral deposits on the mountain. However, it wasn't until 1896 that prospectors began to mine for silver and gold on the mountain. The miners didn't have much success, and most of them quickly left the area. However, a few hardy souls decided to stay and try their luck. One of these miners was James Maxwell, who discovered a rich vein of silver ore in 1898. This discovery sparked a mining boom on Hayden Mountain, and soon there were hundreds of miners working on the mountain. The town of Ouray grew up around the mines, and at its peak, the town had a population of over 5,000 people. The mines continued to produce silver and gold until they were finally closed in 1990. Today, Hayden Mountain is a popular hiking destination, and visitors can still see the remains of the old mines and townsites.

The best time to visit Hayden Mountain in Ouray County, Colorado is in the summer. At this time of year, the mountain is lush and green, and the weather is ideal for hiking and enjoying the outdoors. Wildflowers are also in bloom, making for a beautiful landscape. 

1. Check the weather forecast in advance and come prepared for all conditions. 
2. Pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no services at the summit. 
3. Start your hike early in the day to avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
4. Be prepared for altitude sickness. If you're not used to being at high altitudes, you may experience some symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, and fatigue. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and take it easy until you adjust to the altitude.
5. Respect the wilderness. Hayden Mountain is a fragile ecosystem - please do your part to help protect it by following Leave No Trace principles while you're here.
6. Stay on the trail: There are steep drop-offs along the edge of the trail, so it's important to stay on path and take extra caution when hiking near the edge. If you're hiking with children or pets, make sure they stay close by and under control at all times.

1. It has an elevation of 14,265 feet.
2. The trail to the summit of Hayden Mountain starts at the Lower Cascade Falls trailhead. 
3. From the summit, hikers are treated to stunning views of the Cascade Canyon and Upper Cascade Falls.
4. Hayden Mountain is known for its beautiful wildflowers, which bloom from late spring to early summer.
5. In addition to its striking scenery, Hayden Mountain also has a rich history. miners used to work in the area, and there are several old mining ruins visible from the summit.
6. The mountain is also home to a unique species of plant life known as alpine forget-me-nots. These tiny blue flowers only grow at high altitudes and are often found in rocky areas like Hayden Mountain.
7. The mountain also has a number of unique geological features, such as glacial erratics and moraines.

There is no definitive answer to the question of how long it takes to explore Hayden Mountain. It depends on factors such as your fitness level, the weather conditions, and your personal interests. However, most people would need at least a full day to hike to the summit and back down again. If you want to explore the surrounding area, you may need to allow for additional time.

To reach the summit of Hayden Mountain, located in Ouray County, Colorado, follow these directions. First, drive south on Highway 550 for about 12 miles. Then, turn left onto theCounty Road 4 (San Juan Scenic Byway/Forest Road 6N04). Follow this road for approximately 5 miles until you reach the trailhead parking area. From the parking area, the trail to the summit begins at the north end of the campground loop. 

Visitors to Hayden Mountain must pay an entrance fee of $5, which helps to cover the cost of trail maintenance and search and rescue operations

The mountain will be open from 8:00 AM. to 8:00 PM. each day.