Nokhu Crags
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Nokhu Crags (12485 ft) is a mountain peak and rock formation in the Rocky Mountains of southeastern Jackson County, Colorado. It is located within the Colorado State Forest just northwest of Rocky Mountain National Park. The peak is a part of the Never Summer Mountains on the northwest side of the continental divide, near the headwaters of the Michigan River. The peak is prominently visible from the west side of Cameron Pass, and from Colorado State Highway 14. It can also be seen throughout the southern North Park basin where it is known also known as the "the Crags" or "Sleeping Indian" for its resemblance to the form of a supine chief. To the east lies the shallow basins of Snow Lake and the Michgan or American Lakes. To the west the mountain descends directly into the deep waters of Lake Agnes.
Warning! It is dangerous to climb the Nokhu Crags or loose rocky talus field at the base. Several accidents have occurred in recent years.
The Crags were formed as a sedimentary deposit millions of years ago in an ancient ocean basin. The entire region was subsequently thrust up with the formation of the Medicine Bow Range at the close of the Mesozoic Era. Beginning 24-29 million years ago rising magma created volcanoes that were the predecessors of the Never Summer Mountains. The magma cooled into granitic formations and nearby, now vertical shale metamorphosed into the hornfels that forms the present day Nokhu Crags. After millions of years of erosion and glaciation the vertical fin-like form of the Nohku Crags was exposed. Erosion continues to reshape the Crags as evidenced by the extensive talus field at its base.
Today the mountain is a barren, almost treeless form, virtually devoid of vegetation. During the day pika and mountain goats may be seen and heard on the steep slopes. In the afternoon light green and orange hues of lichen covering the face of the rocks becomes apparent. In the evening thousands of bats stream from nooks and crannies of the western face. In the winter the Nokhu Crags are covered with deep snow and the flanks are the scene of frequent avalanches.
Topographic Map Colorado State Forest Geology
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