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Ajax Peak - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

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About Ajax Peak

Ajax Peak is a summit in the San Miguel Mountains, which is notable for its views of the surrounding area, as well as its proximity to the town of Telluride. Ajax Peak is one of the more popular hiking destinations in the area, and the trailhead is easily accessible from Telluride. The hike to the summit is relatively short and easy, making it a great option for families. Once at the top, hikers are treated to 360 views of the San Juans, including 14ers such as Mount Sneffels and Wilson Peak.
Address : Ajax Peak, Colorado 81435, USA

Things to Do at Ajax Peak

Ajax Peak is a great destination for outdoor lovers of all kinds. In the summer, hikers can take advantage of the numerous trails in the area, including the Ajax Peak Trail, which leads to the summit of the peak. For those who are looking for a more challenging hike, the nearby Bear Creek Trail is a great option. In the winter, Ajax Peak is a popular spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. There are also several sledding hills in the area, making it a great place to take the kids for a day of fun. No matter what time of year it is, Ajax Peak is a great place to come and enjoy the beautiful scenery of San Miguel County.


Top Activities Near Ajax Peak

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History of Ajax Peak

Ajax Peak is a towering mountain in San Miguel County, Colorado. With an elevation of 14,247 feet, it is one of the tallest peaks in the state. Ajax Peak has a long and rich history, dating back thousands of years. The first people to live in the area were the Ute tribe, who arrived around 1000 AD. The Ute named the mountain "Tava," which means "sun Mountain." The mountain was also a sacred site for the Ute, who believed that it was the home of their sun god. In the late 1800s, gold was discovered in the San Juans, and miners began toExplore Ajax Peak. However, it wasn't until 1909 that anyone attempted to summit the mountain. That year, a group of climbers finally reached the summit, and Ajax Peak has been a popular destination ever since. Today, visitors can admire the breathtaking views from the top of Ajax Peak - and they can also learn about its fascinating history.


Best Time to Visit Ajax Peak

The best time to visit Ajax Peak is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and dry. From July to September, the average temperature at the summit is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. However, should you choose to visit during the winter months, you will be rewarded with beautiful views of snow-capped mountains and sparkling glaciers.


Tips for Visiting Ajax Peak

  1. Ajax Peak is one of the tallest mountains in the San Miguel county, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
  2. To reach the summit, you'll need to hike for about 3 miles. Energy bars and plenty of water are a must, as there is no shade along the trail.
  3. If you're planning on camping overnight, be sure to get a permit from the San Miguel county office. Only a limited number of people are allowed to camp each night, so it's important to reserve your spot in advance.
  4. On your descent, be sure to take extra care on the trail. The loose gravel can be slippery, and it's easy to lose your footing if you're not paying attention.
  5. High-altitude hikes like Ajax Peak can be challenging, so it's important to acclimatize to the altitude before starting your hike. There are several ways to do this, but the best method is to spend a few days at lower elevations before attempting the peak.
  6. Upon returning to Telluride, treat yourself to a well-deserved meal and celebratory drink at one of the town's many excellent restaurants or bars.

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Ajax Peak

  1. Ajax Peak is the 12th highest mountain in Colorado, with an elevation of 14,351 feet.
  2. The mountain is located in the San Juan Mountains, and is part of the Uncompahgre National Forest.
  3. Ajax Peak is named after the Greek mythological figure Ajax, who was known for his strength and courage.
  4. The mountain is a popular spot for hiking and climbing, and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
  5. Ajax Peak has been designated as a fourteener, meaning that it has an elevation of at least 14,000 feet.
  6. The area around Ajax Peak is known for its abundant wildflowers, which bloom from late spring to early summer. 

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Ajax Peak

It would be wise to allow at least a full day for exploring Ajax Peak. However, if conditions are favorable and you have experience in mountain climbing, it may be possible to reach the summit in a shorter time frame.


How to Reach Ajax Peak

To reach the summit of Ajax Peak, begin at the town of Telluride and take the San Miguel River Trail south for about two miles. The trail will then begin to ascend Ajax Peak, gaining about 3,500 feet of elevation over the next three miles. The views from the summit are truly breathtaking, with the entire town of Telluride visible below. 


Entrance Fee of Ajax Peak

While there is no entrance fee to explore Ajax Peak, visitors are encouraged to purchase a permit before starting their hike. Permits can be obtained at the trailhead, and they help to cover the cost of maintaining the trail.


Opening Hours of Ajax Peak

The peak is open to the public from 8 AM. to 4 PM., with the last entry at 3 PM. The peak is closed on Tuesdays, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.


Attractions Near Ajax Peak

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Ingram FallsIngram Falls is located in the San Miguel county of Colorado. The falls are situated on a tributary of the San Miguel river, and they flow over a bed of limestone. The falls are approximately 30 feet high, and they have a wide variety of plant life growing on their banks. The area around the falls is popular for hiking and bird watching, and the views from the top of the falls are stunning. Ingram Falls is a beautiful natural feature that is definitely worth a visit.
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Bridal Veil FallsBridal Veil Falls is a waterfall located in San Miguel County. The falls are located on a tributary of the San Miguel River, and they cascade down a steep cliff face for nearly 300 feet. The falls are particularly popular with hikers and photographers, and they offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. In addition to its natural beauty, Bridal Veil Falls is also noteworthy for its historical significance. The falls were once used by Native Americans as a site for religious ceremonies.
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Imogene PassImogene Pass is a high mountain pass located in the San Miguel County of Colorado. The pass is situated between the towns of Ouray and Telluride, and it provides stunning views of the surrounding area. At an elevation of over 13,000 feet, Imogene Pass is one of the highest mountain passes in the state, and it is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Colorado. The trail to the top of the pass is relatively challenging, but it is well worth the effort for the incredible views.
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Bridal Veil TrailThe Bridal Veil Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in San Miguel County, Colorado. The trailhead is located just outside the town of Telluride, and the trail winds its way up into the mountains for about 3 miles. Along the way, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks, as well as a number of waterfalls and cascades. The trail eventually ends at a beautiful alpine lake, where hikers can take a dip or simply enjoy the scenery.
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Porphyry BasinThe Porphyry Basin is a large area of mineralized rocks in San Juan County. The basin contains a variety of copper, molybdenum, and silver deposits, as well as some uranium and coal. The basin is approximately 3,000 square miles in size and is located at an elevation of 8,000-10,000 feet. The basin is home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, deer, and mountain lions. human activity in the basin includes mining, ranching, and recreation.
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Red Mountain PassRed Mountain Pass is one of the most scenic mountain passes in Colorado. The pass lies between two mountain ranges, the San Juans to the west and the Cimarron range to the east. It is popular with tourists for its spectacular views and for its some 11,000 acres of alpine meadows, which are home to a variety of wildlife including bighorn sheep, elk, and deer. The pass is also popular with hikers and campers due to its close proximity to several fourteeners, or peaks that rise over 14,000 feet.

Discover More Attractions in San Miguel County, Home of Ajax Peak

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San Miguel County
San Miguel County is located in the southwestern corner of Colorado. It is home to the towns of Telluride, Mountain Village, and Norwood. The county is well-known for its scenic beauty, and it attracts visitors from all over the world. Outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, skiing, and camping are popular in the area. The county also has a rich history, and there are many sites of interest for history buffs. In recent years, the county has become increasingly popular as a destination for wed

Location of Ajax Peak


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