Hesperus Mountain - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

This beautiful mountain is perfect for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the great outdoors. There are several trails to choose from, so you can find one that's perfect for your skill level. Be sure to bring your camera - the views from the top of the mountain are simply stunning. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even camp overnight at one of the primitive campsites.  If you're looking for a more adrenaline-pumping experience, you can try your hand at rock climbing or mountain biking. And during the winter months, Hesperus Mountain is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding.

Hesperus Mountain is a peak in Montezuma County, Colorado. It is the county's highest point, at an elevation of 13,366 feet. The mountain was named by miners in the 1800s after the mythological figure Hesperus, the personification of the evening star. Hesperus Mountain is part of the La Plata Mountains range, which is itself a subrange of the larger San Juan Mountains. The mountain is located about 10 miles southwest of the city of Durango, in the San Juan National Forest.

Hesperus Mountain has a long and rich history. Native Americans have been living in the area for centuries, and there are numerous archaeological sites on and around the mountain. The first Europeans to visit the area were Spanish explorers, who came in the early 1600s. The mountain was later mapped by surveyors working for the U.S. government in 1874. In 1918, a fire lookout tower was built on Hesperus Mountain, which was used for many years to spot wildfires in the area. Today, Hesperus Mountain is a popular destination for hikers and climbers.

The best time to visit Hesperus Mountain is in the springtime, when the wildflowers are in bloom. From mid-April to early May, the mountain is blanketed in a colorful display of flowers, making it a truly breathtaking sight. 

1. Check the weather before you go and dress appropriately. The mountain can be much colder than the valley below, even in summer.
2. Use sunscreen and insect repellent. The sun is strong at high altitudes, and mosquitoes can be a problem in the summer months.
3. Be aware of your surroundings and stay on marked trails. The mountain is home to many animals, including bears, so it's important to be cautious.
4. Don't try to hike to the summit in one day. The hike is strenuous and should be done over two or three days.
5. Camp at one of the established campsites. There are several sites located along the trail, but they fill up quickly during peak season.
6. Don't underestimate the altitude change - Hesperus Mountain sits at over 11,000 feet, so be prepared for some challenges if you're not used to high altitudes.

1. Hesperus is notable as the Navajo People's Sacred Mountain of the North, Dibé Ntsaa, which marks the northern boundary of the Dinetah, their traditional homeland.
2. Though not of particularly high elevation for the region, Hesperus Mountain is visually quite prominent, as it is near the southern edge of the San Juan Mountains and rises over 7,000 ft above the area.
3. The mountain was first climbed by a party led by Albert Benjamin Franklin Ellingwood in 1916.
4. The mountain was named after the Greek god Hesperus, who was the personification of the evening star.
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We would recommend allowing at least two days to explore Hesperus Mountain. This will give you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and make your way back down the mountain without rushing.

From Hesperus, the easiest way to reach the mountain is to take County Road 311 north for about 2 miles. Then, turn left onto County Road 314 and follow it for another 3 miles. At this point, you will see a sign for the Hesperus Mountain Trailhead. The trailhead is located on the left side of the road, and there is a large parking area. 

There is no entrance fee to enter this mountain. 

The mountain is open to the public for hiking and camping from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.