Badger Mountain - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

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About Badger Mountain

Badger Mountain is a mountain located in Park County, Colorado. It has an elevation of 9,415 feet. The mountain is located within the San Isabel National Forest. The mountain is named after a type of animal called a badger. Badgers are small animals with short legs and long bodies. They are known for their digging abilities. The first recorded ascent of Badger Mountain was made by A.D. Wilson and W.A. Weed in 1869. The mountain is home to a variety of plant and animal life.

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Things to Do at Badger Mountain

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.

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History of Badger Mountain

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.

Best Time to Visit Badger Mountain

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. 

Tips for Visiting Badger Mountain

  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.

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Badger Mountain

  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.

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Badger Mountain

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. 

How to Reach Badger Mountain

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. 

Entrance Fee of Badger Mountain

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

Opening Hours of Badger Mountain

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

Attractions Near Badger Mountain

Wilkerson Pass

Wilkerson Pass

1.63km from Badger Mountain

This is a mountain pass that traverses the Continental Divide in Colorado. At an elevation of 11,758 feet, it is one of the highest mountain passes in the state. It is accessible via State Highway 9 from the north and south. The pass was named for James Wilkerson, who explored the area in 1858. In addition to providing spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, It is a popular spot for camping, hiking, and picnicking. It is also a popular winter destination for skiing and snowboarding.

Tarryall Creek

Tarryall Creek

9.52km from Badger Mountain

Tarryall Creek is a 30.5-mile-long tributary of the South Platte River in central Colorado. It rises in the Tarryall Mountains in Park County and flows north through Teller County, past the towns of Lake George and Woodland Park. The creek then turns east and flows into the South Platte River near Deckers. Tarryall Creek is a popular destination for fishing, camping, and hiking. The creek is home to a variety of fish, including brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout.

Eleven Mile State Park

Eleven Mile State Park

12.85km from Badger Mountain

Eleven Mile State Park is a state park in Park County, Colorado. The park was established in 1909 and covers an area of 11 square miles. Eleven Mile Reservoir is the centerpiece of the park and is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping. The reservoir is home to a variety of fish species including rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. The park also offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, as well as picnicking and RV camping.

Spinney Mountain Reservoir

Spinney Mountain Reservoir

13.25km from Badger Mountain

Spinney Mountain Reservoir is a man-made lake in Park County, located approximately 60 miles southwest of Denver. The reservoir was created in 1911 by the damming of the South Platte River and has a capacity of approximately 40,000 acre-feet. It is a popular recreation spot for fishing, camping, and boating, and is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles and ospreys. The reservoir itself is fed by several small streams and creeks, as well as by groundwater seepage.

Spinney Mountain State Park

Spinney Mountain State Park

13.55km from Badger Mountain

Spinney Mountain State Park is a state park in Park County, Colorado. The park is located on the eastern side of the Continental Divide. The park covers an area of 1,420 acres. The park is named after Spinney Mountain, which is located in the park. The mountain has an elevation of 9,700 feet. The park includes two lakes: Spinney Reservoir and Antero Reservoir. The reservoirs are used for fishing and boating. There are also hiking trails in the park.

Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area

Eleven Mile Canyon Recreation Area

15.73km from Badger Mountain

Eleven Mile Canyon is a recreation area located in Park County, Colorado. The canyon is home to a variety of activities including hiking, camping, fishing, and canoeing. The area is also popular for its scenic views and wildlife. Eleven Mile Canyon is situated within the Pike National Forest and offers access to a variety of trails. The most popular trail in the canyon is the Eleven Mile State Park Trail, which winds through the canyon for 11 miles.

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Location of Badger Mountain

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