The thirteener Mount Sniktau near Dillon is easily accessible from Denver and Boulder, which makes it a popular hike. Before 1926, Mount Sniktau was known as Big Professor, then Engelmann Peak. Sniktau was the pen name of Georgetown journalist Edwin Patterson, who said it came from Native Americans, but it was more likely the name of his fellow journalist – W F WATKINS – spelled backwards, and the W substituted with a U.
The hike begins at Loveland Pass with a thousand-foot rise over the first mile. Undaunted hikers are rewarded with unobstructed views of Grays and Torreys peaks, a few ski areas and the Gore Range. Even Breckenridge can be seen over the Continental Divide. But the trail is entirely above tree line, so hikers may encounter snow at any time of year, strong winds and afternoon thunderstorms at the summit of thirteener, Mt Sniktau.
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