Mount Emma - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

There are many things to do in the area, including hiking, camping, fishing, and picnicking. The scenery is simply gorgeous, and the air is clean and fresh. In addition to enjoying the natural beauty of the area, there are also many historical sites to explore. The Mount Emma church is a fascinating piece of history, and the remains of the Mount Emma mining town are well worth a visit. Whether you're looking for a peaceful place to relax or an adventurous spot to explore, Mount Emma is sure to please.

Mount Emma is a mountain in San Miguel County, Colorado. The peak of Mount Emma is 12,931 feet (3,947 m) above sea level. The mountain is located in the San Juan Mountains, a subrange of the Rocky Mountains. Mount Emma is the highest point in the San Miguel Mountains. The mountain was named after Emma Smith DeVault, the wife of a prospector who settled in the area in 1875. The first recorded ascent of Mount Emma was made by A.D. Wilson and F.S. Hadley in 1874. The standard route on Mount Emma is the East Ridge, which is class 2+ on the Yosemite Decimal System. The East Ridge route begins at the trailhead near the town of Telluride and proceeds up the ridge to the summit. The total round trip distance is 8 miles (13 km). There are several other routes on Mount Emma, including the South Ridge and North Ridge routes. These routes are more difficult and are not recommended for novice climbers.

The best time to visit Mount Emma is in the summer or fall. The temperatures are mild and the days are long, making it the perfect time to explore all the mountain has to offer. 

1. Emma is a great place to view the stars at night. There are very few artificial lights, and the air is clean and dry, which makes for excellent visibility.
2. The best time to see the stars is during the winter months when the nights are longest.
3. Hiking boots are a must, as the terrain can be rough in places. 
4. Pack for all weather conditions. Mount Emma is known for its unpredictable weather, so be prepared for sunny days and cold nights.
5. Leave your valuables at home. There are no safe places to store valuables on Mount Emma, so it's best to leave them at home.
6. Stay on designated trails. Wandering off-trail can be dangerous, as there are many potential hazards (including cliffs and steep drop-offs) that can be difficult to see from a distance.
7. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. The mountain can be hazardous, even if you stick to the trails, so stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.

1. At 11,675 feet, Mount Emma is one of the tallest peaks in San Miguel County, Colorado.

2. The mountain is named after Emma DeGarmo, who was the first person to scale its summit.

3. The first recorded ascent of Mount Emma was made by William Henry Jackson in 1874.

4. In 1873, Mount Emma was the site of a mining claim dispute that led to a deadly gunfight known as the Battle of San Salvador Pass. 

5. The mountain has two main trails - the East Ridge Trail and the West Ridge Trail - both of which offer stunning views of the surrounding area.

6. The summit of Mount Emma can be reached via a number of different routes, including some that are suitable for beginners.

Although it can be completed in a day, it is recommended that hikers allow themselves two days to explore this trail. Regardless of which trail you choose, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience exploring Mount Emma.

Begin at the town of Telluride and take Highway 145 south for about 12 miles. Then turn west onto Last Dollar Road and continue for about 8 miles until you reach a fork in the road. At the fork, take the left-hand road (County Road 7) and continue for another 6 miles until you reach the trailhead. From the trailhead, follow the Emma Trail for about 1.5 miles until you reach the summit. The entire trip should take about 4 hours. 

While there is no entrance fee to explore Mount Emma, there are some regulations that visitors should be aware of.

Mount Emma is open to the public from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The mountain is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.