Badger Mountain - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

There are plenty of things to do at Badger Mountain Park County Colorado. For the more adventurous, there is hiking, biking, and climbing. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, there is fishing, bird watching, and picnicking. In addition, the park offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and is home to a variety of wildlife, making it a perfect place to explore the great outdoors. Whether you're looking for a challenging hike or a peaceful place to enjoy a picnic lunch, Badger Mountain Park has something for everyone.

Badger Mountain is a popular hiking destination in Park County, Colorado. The mountain is named for the many badgers that live in the area. Badgers are a type of animal that is related to the weasel family. They are nocturnal creatures that spend most of their time underground in burrows. Badgers are very strong animals and have been known to dig through thick layers of snow in order to find food. The first recorded ascent of Badger Mountain was made by a group of Native Americans in the 1800s. The mountain has since been climbed by many people from all over the world. There are several easy hiking trails that lead to the summit of the mountain. The views from the top are breathtaking and provide hikers with a great sense of accomplishment.Badger Mountain is a great place to hike, relax, and enjoy the beauty of nature.

There  is no better time to visit Badger Mountain than during the summer months. From June through August, the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for hiking, camping, and exploring all that the park has to offer. 

1. Check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared for changing conditions. Dress in layers so you can easily adjust to fluctuations in temperature.
2. Bring along a map of the area so you can stay on marked trails and avoid getting lost.Be aware of your surroundings at all times and watch for potential hazards such as loose rocks or steep drop-offs.
3. Use caution when hiking off-trail, as there are many hazards including steep cliffs and loose rock.
4. There is no cell phone service in the park, so be sure to let your family or friends know where you're going and when you'll be back.
5. There are no gas stations or convenience stores in the park, so come prepared with enough food and water for your entire visit.

1. Badger Mountain is part of the Front Range, a chain of mountains that runs along the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains. It is 12,807 feet (3,905 meters) above sea level.
2. The mountain is named for the American badgers that once lived here in large numbers.
3. In 1976, Badger Mountain was designated as a National Natural Landmark by the United States government.
4. There are more than 20 miles of hiking trails on Badger Mountain, making it a popular destination for hikers and backpackers.
5.  The views from the summit of Badger Mountain are some of the best in Colorado, with panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains.
6. Badger Mountain is one of the busiest amateur radio sites in Colorado, with several radio repeaters located on the summit.
7. In 2003, the city of Alma embarked on a project to make Badger Mountain the first "carbon-neutral" city park in the United States. 
   The project was completed in 2013, and Badger Mountain remains one of the most eco-friendly parks in Colorado.

However, due to its remote location and rugged terrain, Badger Mountain can be a challenging place to visit. The average hiker will take two to three days to complete the journey, but depending on your level of fitness and experience, it could take up to five days. 

There are several ways to reach Badger Mountain. The easiest way is to take the park's free shuttle from the town of Fairplay. The shuttle runs every hour from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and takes about 30 minutes to reach the trailhead. From there, it is a relatively easy hike to the summit. 

The entrance fee for Badger Mountain Park is $5 per vehicle, with a maximum of eight people per vehicle.

The park would be open from sunrise to sunset on weekdays, and from 8 AM to 8 PM on weekends.