Mount Parnassus (Colorado)
# Mount Parnassus (Colorado)

Mount Parnassus is a high mountain summit in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The 13,580-foot (4,139 m) thirteener is located in Arapaho National Forest, 5.4 miles (8.7 km) west-northwest (bearing 288°) of the Town of Silver Plume in Clear Creek County, Colorado, United States.

## Location and geography

Mount Parnassus sits east of the Continental Divide in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The summit is located near Interstate 70. The higher Bard Peak, at 13,647 feet (4,160 m), sits nearby, and the closest major town is Silver Plume, Colorado. It is also in close proximity to Woods Mountain, Mount Sniktau, Engelmann Peak, Robeson Peak, and Pettingell Peak.

## Hiking

By automobile, Mount Parnassus is about one hour west of Denver. Hikers may reach the summit of the mountain on foot by following the Watrous Gulch Trail, starting at the Herman Gulch Trailhead off of Interstate 70. From the trailhead, visitors must hike roughly 7 miles (round trip) and gain roughly 3,300 feet (1,000 m) in elevation to reach the summit.

## Historical names

* Mount Parnassus – 1933
* Scout Peak
