The Ultimate Road Trip To Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain in Colorado
Mestaa’Ėhehe is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.493m (11,459ft) above sea level, located in Clear Creek County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
Where is Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain?
The peak is located in the north-central part of Colorado, within the Arapaho National Forest.
Why is it called Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain?
The summit, formerly known as Squaw Mountain, was renamed in 2021 as Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain. The new name honors Mestaa’ėhehe — also known as “Owl Woman” — a Southern Cheyenne translator who helped negotiate relations between Native Americans and white settlers in the early 19th century. The change was part of a broader effort to eliminate the use of the term “squaw,” long considered a derogatory slur against Native American women.
What’s at the summit of Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain?
At the summit there is an array of communication towers, plus a two-story stone lookout tower, built in 1925. The top provides 360-degree views of the Eastern Plains to the east, Pikes Peak to the south, Mt. Evans and the mountains of James Peak Wilderness to the west, and the mountains of Indian Peaks Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park to the north. It’s among the highest lookout towers in the United States.
How long is the road to Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain?
The road to the summit is totally unpaved and rocky. It’s called Forest Service Road 192.1. It’s a bumpy road but not so tough. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the drive. It is 2.89km (1.8 miles) long, starting at Mestaa’Ėhehe Road (formerly Squaw Pass Road), also known as Colorado State Highway 103.
Is the road to Mestaa’Ėhehe Mountain open in winter?
Located to the west of Mestaa’Ėhehe Pass (Squaw Pass), in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, the road is impassable in winter. Visitors should be prepared for high-altitude conditions. At this elevation it can be extremely windy. Summertime temperatures average 70 degrees but can drop as low as 30 degrees at night or during the frequent summer afternoon thunderstorms. For your safety, be sure to check the weather forecast before you begin your trip.