Info & Common Landmarks

I started this blog on August 1, 2024, but I’d also like to document all the hikes I’ve been on prior to that date. Posts made retroactively will be marked with a *.

The “Front Range” is the name of the section of the Rocky Mountains in this part of the state, but it also refers to the “urban corridor” – the area of land containing major cities like Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs.

I mainly hike the Boulder OSMP (Open Space Mountain Parks) trails, though I sometimes hike closer to home depending on time constraints and other factors. Posts will be categorized and tagged according to location.

On this page is a small index of commonly mentioned/photographed landmarks, so I don’t have to keep explaining what things are. Keep scrolling for labeled diagrams/maps of the Front Range area as well.

The Flatirons

The most iconic feature of the Boulder-area Front Range. Five striking, angled rock formations line the East side of Green Mountain (see diagrams below). The Flatirons are made of almost 300 million year old sandstone.

NCAR Building

The National Center for Atmospheric Research is situated on one of the foothills near the Flatirons, and is a prominent sight throughout much of the surrounding areas. It is a major research center for weather, climate, and geospace science.

Devil’s Thumb

Also known as “The Fist”, this is a unique rock formation just south of Bear Peak (see diagrams below). It can be seen from most trails I regularly hike. It is also a popular rock climbing destination.

Indian Peaks

Taller mountains further back, named after various Native American tribes who lived in the region in the 1700s and located roughly to the west of Boulder. They are snow-capped for most of the year and are visible behind the Flatirons as long as you are relatively far from the foothills.

Long’s Peak

The tallest peak visible from my general area at 14,259 feet. It is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is the only Fourteener (the 59 peaks above 14,000 feet in Colorado) to be within a national park. It has a distinct square shape, and is my favourite peak.

South Boulder Creek

A major river sourced from snow melt originating in the high peaks of the Rocky Mountains and flowing down to the High Plains. It joins with Boulder Creek near Boulder, and eventually merges to become the South Platte, Missouri, and Mississippi rivers before reaching the Gulf of Mexico.

Personal Landmark Nicknames

I have a handful of made-up names I use to refer to certain things. Here they are.

Acci’s Rock

A personal nickname for the Devil’s Thumb, due to the fact that my friend has taken a liking to the formation and (jokingly?) said they want to climb it.

Pimple Mountain

An odd little tan colored hill to the north that I have kept noticing. I’ve yet to figure out where exactly it is on the map, and whether it has an official name.

The Armpit

The saddle between Bear Peak and South Boulder Peak, if I’m not mistaken, because I’m often very mistaken about the location of things. It has a few conifer trees sticking up from it. Very charming.