
Voted 9/10 | .....many of the peaks near Aspen, Colorado (e.g Maroon Bells, Pyramid Peak, Thunder Pyramid,Castle, Cathedral, and Star Peak)are of sedimentary origin. That area used to be an inland sea several millons of years ago, and the rocks in this range reflect the sedimentary deposition that occured during that time, prior to the violent uplift and formation of the modern mountain range. The steep slopes and freezing and thawing cycles encourage erosion in the form of rockslides. Erosion nonwithstanding, these peaks are great for trekking and 'tough scrambles'. Many are in the range of 4300-4400 meters in height. A rope may not do you any good, because anchors won't hold in this fragile sedimentary rock! There are many 'salty characters' at the Ute Mountaineer climbing shop in Aspen who can give you good advice on the lesser-known peaks! |