Mount Sopris, Colorado

© Jason Hatfield/Tandem Stills + Motio

Rocky Mountain high. Mount Sopris, Colorado

The colossal Mount Sopris stands out in the Elk Mountains, part of the Rocky Mountain range, in the Centennial State, Colorado. Situated near the town of Carbondale, Mount Sopris has two distinct summits, East Sopris and West Sopris. It's a common misconception that Mount Sopris was a volcano. In reality, the magma within Mount Sopris didn't erupt; it underwent crystallisation deep beneath the Earth's surface, approximately 3,048 metres down, creating a massive rock-covered dome. In addition to its natural allure, Mount Sopris was a hallowed site for various Indigenous peoples, including the Ute tribes, who have historically inhabited the region. In the past, the Roaring Fork and Crystal Valleys served as seasonal dwellings and hunting territories for the Parianuche and Yampa bands of the Ute people. The mountain continues to be a beloved emblem of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, drawing in visitors and adventurers alike.