the "lost" greenhorn Mountains

By Woody SmithThe "Lost"Greenhorn Mountains

In south-central Colorado, just west of Pueblo and east of the Sangre de Cristo range, rise the Wet mountains. a comparatively small range, the Wets are about 45 miles long and ten miles wide. The range’s southern terminus is Greenhorn mountain, which, at 12,349 feet, is also its highest peak. in 1993, the mountain and 22,000 acres surrounding it were protected as the Greenhorn mountain Wilderness area.

The place name “Greenhorn” has usually been credited to one source: The Comanche chief Cuerno verde who was killed in 1779 while leading a reckless charge against a Spanish expeditionary force near the base of present day Greenhorn mountain. according to place name writer maxine benson, Cuerno verde—literally Green Horn in Spanish— was known for his “striking headdress.” but rumors of another Greenhorn lurked about south-central Colorado in the late 1800s. in 1877, botanist Samuel Scudder climbed Hamilton Peak (13,658 feet) which is just southeast of the blanca massif, or about 30 miles south of the Crestone massif. both are located in the Sangre de Cristo range. Scudder’s account describes the view north from Hamilton’s summit framed by mt. blanca and mt. lindsey, wherein “rise the craggy tops of the Greenhorn mountains.” a long forgotten article from the Rocky Mountain News also mentions a mysterious “Greenhorn range.” Writing in July 1883, the unnamed author boldly claims an ascent of a peak known as “Crestone,” but which was most likely presentday Kit Carson mountain.

“Directly south ‘Old blanco,’” the author writes, “robed on his northern slope with eternal snow… To the southeast the Spanish peaks… stand out in bold relief. northeast, Pike’s peak rears his huge proportions, in plain view, and, seemingly only a few miles distant, overlooking the vast plains eastward and beyond; while in the intervening space can be seen the Greenhorn range, Wet mountain valley, rosita, and Silver Cliff, so near, apparently, that you might cast a fingerstone in their midst…” (Rocky Mountain News, July 29, 1883). but the description, though detailed, leaves questions. if there is a Wet mountain valley, where are the Wet mountains? most notable is the apparent failure to mention the present day Crestone massif by any name—though obviously the question is made more difficult by the fact that the 1883 writer was standing on the peak he called “Crestone.” Certainly the massif, including both Peak and needle, is noteworthy. rising just two miles southeast of present day Kit Carson mountain, its rugged form dominates the view.

The answer may be, that as far as the 1883 writer knew, the Crestone massif was part of the “Greenhorn range.”

Subsequent research has uncovered the long forgotten Greenhorn mountains which appeared regularly on Colorado maps from the 1870s to the 1890s. On some maps, the “lost” Greenhorns were a line of mountains clustered near la veta Pass. On other maps they stretched from the northern Sangre de

An 1879 map by the General Land Office (above). A similar map from "Thayer's New Map of Colorado" of 1873 (below).

Cristos, near the town of Crestone, down to la veta Pass, and then northeast up the Wet mountains toward Pueblo. Given the jumble of mountains that converge near la veta Pass, it’s understandable how early map makers might have compressed them into one range.

This cartographic confusion may have been partly caused by the federal government, since the first known appearance of the “lost” Greenhorn mountains occurred on maps issued by the General land Office in 1879 and 1880. although virtually unknown now, the smiling Greenhorns apparently had enough currency to be used by locals, visiting writers, and at least a few mapmakers. in an author-conducted study of 105 era maps, it was found that the mythic Greenhorn mountains appeared on nearly a quarter of those published during the 1880s and 1890s—usually on the maps of Thayer and George F. Cram. its last known appearance was on the 1905 Cram map of Colorado. but the mythic Greenhorns were quickly lost to the mists of time. by 1931, as notable a source as lawyer, mountaineering historian, and author John l. J. Hart knew nothing of them. upon reading Scudder’s 1877 account, Hart, who also edited Trail & Timberline, erroneously corrected him: “He (Scudder) wrote: ‘To the north between baldy and the summit of blanca rise the craggy tops of the Greenhorn mountains…’ He did not see the Greenhorn mountains, but saw Kit Carson, Crestone and Crestone needle, which are very impressive from this point” (Fourteen Thousand Feet, Second Edition). but Hart’s correction needs correcting—Scudder knew what he saw.

However, the inclusion of the Crestone massif with the lost Greenhorns raises another question. Was the name “Greenhorn” a description of the Crestones, rather than a reference to the Comanche chief?

Certainly the Crestones are green, particularly in summer. Crestone Peak, in particular, also fits the traditional definition of a mountain “horn,” which according to Webster’s Dictionary is “a pyramidal mountain peak, esp. one having concave faces.”

Some credence is lent to this theory by J. Frank Dawson, author of Place Names in Colorado, published in 1954. His unsourced listing for the town of Greenhorn, located south of Pueblo, indicates that it was named “for the color and shape of a nearby mountain. The Spaniards called it ‘Cuerno verde’ meaning the same thing.” △

For your benefit and enjoyment, the following trips have been reviewed and approved by the Adventure Travel Committee and are officially sanctioned by the Colorado Mountain Club.

Visit www.cmc.org/at for more detailed itineraries and registration forms.

Barrier Islands - Georgia

April 3 – 11, 2010 $1,207 (does not include airfare) The United States has some beautiful places to visit and this area is high on the list. We will first visit St. Simon Island where we will bicycle and stroll beneath centuries-old oaks draped in Spanish moss, visit interesting historic sites and walk on sandy beaches. Jekyll Island, founded in 1886, was the winter retreat for some of America’s most elite families, including the likes of Astor, Rockefeller, and Vanderbilt. For part of the day we will visit some of their restored residences in the Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark District and also spend time bicycling around the island. Sapelo, reached only by ferry, is another island where we can see virtually every facet of a barrier island’s natural community. Another stop on our tour will be in Savannah, a few miles from the islands. Here you will be taken back to a time of opulent mansions, moss draped oaks and impressive architecture. Enjoy Savannah’s southern hospitality that has been offered since the 1700s. For more information, contact Betsy Weitkamp at 303-722-1656 or elaw@q.com.

Best of the Grand Canyon – Colorado River Raft & Hike

April 10 – 22, 2010 $4,075 (Limit 18) We will depart from the historic Lee's Ferry and end with a helicopter ride from Whitmore Wash and a plane flight back to the start. It is especially ideal for those who would like to hike in areas which can be reached only from the river, and those who have always wanted to experience the canyon but who do not wish to make the seven-mile, 4,500-foot trek on foot. Our outfitter, Hatch River Expeditions, has been guiding river trips through the canyon for over 70 years. We will have three guides and 20 participants on two 35-foot S-rig boats running fuel-efficient and quiet 4-stroke outboard engines. The average motorized raft trip through the Grand Canyon runs seven days, so this 12 day trip will have plenty of opportunities for hiking. They offer us daily guided hikes at two or three hiking levels, or one may choose to rest in camp. The deposit is $300. Please visit www.cmc. org/AT for cancellation policy, payment schedule, and additional information, and to call leaders for availability. Register with leaders Blake Clark or Rosemary Burbank at (303) 871-0379 or blakerosemary@cs.com

Scotland

West Highland Way and Ben Nevis May 13 – 25, 2010 $2,335 (does not include airfare) We'll walk for 82 miles along lochs, waterfalls, and craggy mountains on Scotland's spectacular West Highland Way. Carry only what you need for a day hike on this fully supported trek. Daily mileage ranges from 9 to 14 miles for the seven day trip. At the end of the trek, weather permitting, we will ascend Ben Nevis (4,409 feet), the highest point of the British Isles. Short excursions are planned in Edinburgh and Sterling en route to the trek starting point. Price includes 11 nights lodging in small hotels and inns, with breakfasts included. All lunches are included except for three travel days. Dinners will be included except for two each at the beginning and end of the trip. Price includes ground transfers to and from the Edinburgh Airport; Edinburgh to Drymen to start the trek; Fort William back to Edinburgh; baggage transfers during the trek; ferry and bus transportation on activity days; admission to the mentioned cultural sites; CMC fee; and partial leader reimbursement. Price does not include airfare to Edinburgh, but leaders will assist participants with scheduling. To obtain the trip application packet, contact Steve at climbersteveb@gmail.com or Linda at lvditchkus@hotmail.com. No phone calls please.

Moab Mountain Bike and Hike

May 20 – 23, 2010 $275 Before March 1 Our adventure will be based near Moab. We’ll explore the famous mountain biking and hiking trails in the Moab area, and in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. We will ride (and hike) with groups of various sizes and abilities for four days of adventure in this amazing desert wonderland. A favorite for biking or hiking is the seldom traveled Hidden Canyon trail, with its prolific Anasazi art and hunting ruins. Included will be savory foods prepared by experienced, desert gourmet chefs. Also included are camping fees, all your water needs, and sanolets. You will also receive a t-shirt custom designed for this year’s adventure. You provide your own transportation to and from the rides and hikes which are accessible with any automobile. You also need to bring your own camping gear and bike (if you ride) or rent one in Moab. Carpooling is encouraged. Not included: transportation to Moab, bike rental if needed. Price increases are as follows: March 2-April 10, $300; April 11-May 10, $325; after May 10, $350. Contact Janet Farrar at wildjc@juno.com or 303-933-3066.

Peru: Huayhuash Trek

May 29 – June 18, 2010 $1,950 Trek in the rugged and remote Cordillera Huayhuash in northern Peru, starting with a city tour in Lima, and then a bus ride north to Huaraz. There, we will do a couple of day hikes before starting out on the 14-day loop trek in the stun-

ning Cordillera Huayhuash. This supported trek will take us high into the Andes, skirting peaks over 17,000 feet, visiting high lakes and hiking over passes above 14,000 feet. We will circumnavigate Nevado Yerupaja: At 21,560 feet, it is the world’s second highest tropical mountain. The trip carries a “C” classification for its high elevation and rugged trails. Not included in the trip cost are airfare to Lima, travel insurance, several meals, guide tips or personal spending money. For more information, contact Janet Farrar at wildjc@juno.com or 303-933-3066.

Montenegro with Rada

June 7 – 22, 2010 $2,151 (does not include airfare) Rada Perovic, born in Montenegro and now residing in Golden, will be your host for a two week excursion to this unspoiled Mediterranean and mountain paradise. Montenegro, with a population of 730,000, gained independence in May 2006 and has the distinction of being one of the world’s newest countries. We will begin our journey on the coast, where beautiful beaches meet the crystal clear azure water of the Adriatic Sea. From our base in the old Medieval Town of Budva, we will explore the 15th century fortresses and other towns and quaint villages along the coast. We will hike on coastal trails, spend time on the beach and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Montenegrin people while exploring the culture and the history of the region. We will then journey to the mountainous interior, where 7,000-foot peaks rocket up from sea level, creating stunning canyons, deep valleys, and dense pine and fir forests surrounding alpine lakes, known locally as “mountain eyes.” We will visit four National Parks: Lovcen, Biogradska Gora, Durmitor and Skadar Lake. In addition to the hiking excursions, there will be a two-day raft trip down the Tara River, referred to as “the Jewel of Europe.” The cost of the trip includes all ground transportation in Montenegro, lodging, most meals, two days of rafting, guides, all park and museum fees, leader expenses, and the CMC outing fee. Hikes will be 2 to 8 miles in length and gain up to 2,500 feet in elevation. This trip is limited to 10-12 participants. For more information, contact Rada Perovic at (303) 985-3263 or radaperovic@msn.com.

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Hiking and Rafting the Lower Kongakut River June 19 – July 2, 2010 $4,523 (does not include airfare)

This is a special opportunity to see a part of the world that is a true wilderness. Revel in the quiet and enjoy sightings of Dall sheep, grizzlies, wolves, Arctic fox, musk ox, thousands of migrating caribou, and nesting birds on the coastal plain that will make this trip an unforgettable experience. Expect to see Golden eagles, peregrine falcons, loons, owls, and jaegers. And there will be a vast array of wildflowers. The Kongakut is a north-flowing river in the northeast corner of Alaska that empties into the Arctic Ocean. Our 10-day raft trip will start in the northern most Brooks Range, known as the British Mountains. Paddling north from the peaks on this clear river, we enter a region of rugged and rounded foothills with excellent views of the Brooks Range to the south and the Arctic Ocean to the north. As we enter into the Kongakut’s delta, we pick our way through a maze of river braids to a massive freshwater ice field (aufeis) acting as gates to the Arctic Ocean. We will begin with three to four layover days to explore the land of the midnight sun. On rafting days, we will travel from six to eight hours, going ashore often to explore or watch wildlife. Fishing is good and any caught can be cooked by our guides. This trip is limited to 6 CMC members (accompanied by two guides) with two rafts. Price includes flights from Fairbanks to Arctic Village, bush plane flight to a gravel bar by the Kongakut, flights from the Arctic Ocean to Fairbanks, camp gear, wholesome (mostly organic) meals, repair and safety equipment, all raft equipment including a life jacket, one medium-sized dry bag and bear spray repellent per person. Not included in price is roundtrip airfare to Fairbanks, three nights lodging and meals in Fairbanks, sleeping bag, pad, tent, rubber boots, large waterproof dry bag, or tips. Rental equipment is available for a small fee. Estimated airfare from Denver to Fairbanks is $750. For further information and application, contact leader Bea Slingsby (this is her fourth trip to the refuge) at 303-422-3728, or beahive@comcast.net Russia: Climb Mount Elbrus

August 17 – 29, 2010 $3,097 (does not include airfare) For the seventh time, the CMC’s High Altitude Mountaineering Section will lead a trip to Russia and the spectacular Caucasus Mountains of southern Russia, between the Black and Caspian Seas. Mount Elbrus (18,510 feet) is one of the fabled Seven Summits and offers strenuous, but not overly difficult, climbing. Required are a basic knowledge of ice axe, crampons and roped travel. Transit is through Moscow and will include a daylong city tour at the end of the trip.

Peru: Salcantay Trek

June 19 – July 4, 2010 $1,725 Trek the longer, more spectacular approach to Peru’s Machu Picchu on the Salcantay route. The trip will start in Lima with a city tour. Then we will fly to Cuzco, sacred city of the Incas, where we will visit the valley towns and attend the Inti Raymi Solstice festival on June 24 at the huge fortress of Saqsaywaman. Then, a five-day supported trek will take us through rainforests up to the Salcantay Umantay pass at 14,763 feet. We will see glaciers and high peaks before arriving at Aguas Calientes, then take the bus up to Machu Picchu. On our second day in Machu Picchu, we will climb the peak behind it, Huayna Picchu, for a bird’s eye view of the famous Inca site.

The trip carries a “C” classification for its high elevation and rugged trails. Not included in the trip cost are airfare to Lima, travel insurance, several meals, guide tips or personal spending money. For more information, contact Janet Farrar at wildjc@juno.com or 303-933-3066.

AVAILABLE IN MAY

The cost of the trip includes domestic airfare within Russia, all lodging and most meals, ground transportation, guide fees in the valley, a Russian visa and permit fees, leader expenses and CMC fee. The final cost may vary slightly depending on airfare and currency exchange issues. For application requirements, please see www.cmc.org/AT. To obtain the trip itinerary and application, contact Steve Bonowski at climbersteveb@ gmail.com or P.O. Box 280286, Lakewood CO 80228-0286. Trip packet is available only by regular mail. No phone calls please.

Hiking Circuit of Ecuador

September 8 – 19, 2010 $2,501 (does not include airfare) This trip will give you an opportunity to travel to a private preserve nestled in a rustic mountain setting in the Pichincha Foothills near the Quito airport, offering peace and tranquility. You will experience the bird and animal life and hike in the footsteps of ancient Incas on the Last Inca Emperor’s Trails. Arriving in Quito, we will explore the capital city of Ecuador and learn about colonial art, history, archaeology, and folklore. One day will be reserved for trekking to the Highland Rainforest, visiting sacred waterfalls and learning about some of the 250 varieties of native medicinal plants in the region. We will visit a wild virgin cloud forest around Pichincha Mountain and trek on great jungle trails inside a natural paradise, observing everything from hummingbirds to orchids. A visit to the world famous Otavala Indian Market will give you a chance to shop for local handmade products. For more information, please contact Betsy Weitkamp at 303-722-1656 or elaw@q.com.

Trekking in Nepal

September 25 – October 10, 2010 $2526 (does not include airfare) Join Pemba Sherpa, a native of the Khumbu region of the Nepal Himalayas, on this spectacular trek through the foothills of some of the world’s highest peaks. Pemba has been guiding visitors to his homeland since 1986, and in 2010 will lead us into the heart of the world’s majestic Himalayan Mountains and into the rarely visited Lumding Valley. Very few Westerners have ever ventured into this unspoiled valley. We will be surrounded by striking scenery as we trek through virgin terrain, all the while marveling at views of Mount Everest and its neighbors. We will also spend time with Pemba’s family in the small Sherpa village of Sengma and will relax for a couple of days in Nepal’s colorful capital city of Kathmandu. For more information, please contact Pemba Sherpa at (303) 525-6508 or pemba@sherpaascent.com.

PACK LLAMAS FOR RENT

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Phone: 719-539-6888 E-mail: bill@anterollamas.com

YOURMOUNTAINEERING LIBRARY NEEDS THIS BOOK

“IN FALL 2008, the Colorado Mountain Club published a guidebook that was riddled with typos and 70 years out of date, at a time when online competition has put the future of even the most current printed guidebooks in question. And it charged $185 per copy.

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“The book is called The San Juan Mountaineers’ Climber’s Guide to Southwestern Colorado. It was first published in 1933—hand-typed and hard-bound in less than a half-dozen copies. It was the first modern guidebook in Colorado, and with its maps, photos, and route descriptions, it set the template for the hundreds that have followed.

“Climbers have passed around photocopied and stapled versions for generations, making it an almost mythic book. The club reproduced it The San Juan Mountaineers’ exactly, down to the crossed-out letters and handwritten notes in the Climber’s Guide to Southwestern Colorado margins of the typed pages. LIMITED EDITION AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY

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