Mount Herard - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

There are many activities to do while visiting Mount Herard. While hiking the trail, one can take in the scenery and also get some great exercise. There are also many photo opportunities available, so don't forget to bring your camera! If you are feeling adventurous, you can even climb to the top of the mountain and enjoy the view from above. Regardless of what you choose to do, Mount Herard is sure to provide you with an enjoyable experience.

Mount Herard is a mountain in Saguache County, Colorado. The mountain was named after Captain William Herard, who was killed in 1864 during the Sand Creek Massacre. Mount Herard is the highest point in Saguache County, and it is one of the tallest mountains in the San Luis Valley. The mountain offers sweeping views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. Mount Herard is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, and it is also a popular spot for camping. There are several trails that lead to the summit, and there are also a number of campgrounds located near the mountain. Mount Herard is an important part of Colorado's history, and it is a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors.

The best time to visit Mount Herard is in the summer. The temperature is perfect for hiking and enjoying the views. There are also many wildflowers that bloom during this time.If you are interested in taking photographs, the lighting is also ideal during the summer months.

1. Check the weather forecast before you go. Mount Herard is located in a high alpine environment and conditions can change rapidly.
2. Bring plenty of water and food. There are no services at the summit and you will be exerting yourself at high altitude. 
3. Be prepared for some wild weather. Even on a sunny day, you may encounter strong winds at the top of the mountain.
4. Take your time on the hike up. It's important to pace yourself to avoid getting too winded.
5. Stay on the trail. There are loose rocks and cliff edges that can be dangerous if you wander off-trail.
6. respect the wildlife you may encounter. Bears, mountain lions, and other animals are all native to the area and should not be approached or fed.

1. Mount Herard is located in the Rio Grande National Forest and is part of the San Juan Mountains Wilderness Area. The peak rises to an elevation of 12,381 feet (3,780 meters) and is the fifth highest peak in Saguache County.
2. Mount Herard is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including pika, marmots, elk, deer, bighorn sheep, eagles, hawks, and falcons.
3. In 1901, a fire lookout tower was built on the summit of Mount Herard. It was used until 1918 when it was abandoned due to lightening strikes and severe weather damage.
4. Mount Herard was named after crystals found near its summit that were thought to be herardite, a mineral that was later discovered to be nonexistent.
5. In addition to being the highest point in Saguache County , Mount Herard is also one of Colorado's 100 highest peaks .

Depending on how long you want to spend exploring Mount Herard, you can easily hike the trails in a day or two. However, if you want to really take your time and enjoy all that the mountain has to offer, plan on spending at least three days. This will give you plenty of time to hike all of the trails, relax at one of the many scenic overlooks, and even camp overnight under the stars. 

If you're driving, the best way to get there is by taking Highway 285 north from Saguache until you reach County Road T, then turning west onto T and following it until it dead-ends at the trailhead. The drive should take about an hour. If you're hiking, the best way to get there is by taking the Continental Divide Trail from either South Pass or North Pass. The hike from South Pass is shorter but steeper, while the hike from North Pass is longer but has more gradual elevation gain.

No, there is no entrance fee to explore Mount Herard. However, there is a parking fee of $5 per vehicle.

The mountain is open to the public year-round, but access to the summit is only allowed during daylight hours. During the winter months, the summit may be inaccessible due to deep snowpack. For safety reasons, all visitors are advised to check conditions before embarking on any hike or climb.