T4 Explorations in Colorado. [February, 
members of the party, proceeded on foot up the loose rocky slope 
to the first outstanding point, from which a view could be ob- 
tained of the main peak of the range. Although this first point 
is only six hundred feet lower than the main summit, yet the 
most arduous portion of the task was yet to come. The main 
summit is about two miles north of the first point, in a straight 
line, and connected with it by a very sharp-toothed zigzag ridge 
over which itis most difficult to travel on account of the very 
loose rocks and the constant danger of being precipitated down, 
on either side, several hundred feet into tħe amphitheatre below. 
After some two hours of this difficult climbing, they came to the 
base of the main point, which though very steep was soon as- 
cended, and at eleven o’clock, A. M. they found themselves on 
the very summit. From this point one of the most magnificent 
views in all Colorado was spread out before them, The greater 
portion of Colorado and New Mexico was embraced in this field 
of vision. This point is the highest in the Sierra Blanca group 
and so far as is known at the present time is the highest in Col- 
orado. The elevation of this point was determined by Mr. Wil- 
son in the following manner : first, by a mean of eight baromet- 
ric readings taken synchronously with those at Fort Garland, 
which gave a difference between the two points of 6466 feet; 
secondly, by fore and back angles of elevation and depression, 
which gave a difference of 6468 feet. The elevation at the fort 
was determined by a series of barometric readings, which com- 
pared with those of the signal-service barometer at Colorado 
Springs gave it an elevation of 7997 feet, making the Blanca 
Peak 14,464 feet above sea-level. This peak may be regarded 
therefore as the highest or at least next to the highest yet known 
in the United States. A comparison with some of the first-class 
peaks in Colorado will show the relative height : — 
Above sea-level. 
Blanca Peak . : : = ‘ : - á i i 14,464 feet. 
Mt. Harvard ; : i i ‘ x i i i nie eM 
Gray’s Peak . ; s ‘ , : . ¿ : 5 14,841 “ 
Mt. Lincoln 14,296 “ 
Mt. Wilson 14,280 “ 
Long’s Peak i ; ; y š ; ; š muons 
Vecumpahgre Peak ° ; x R : i > 14,235- “ 
Pike’s Peak 14,146 “ 
The foregoing tabla wil se some pee as MN the difficulty 
encountered in determining the highest peak when there are so 
many that are of nearly the same elevation. About fifty peaks 
are found within the limits of Colorado that exceed fourteen 
thousand feet above sea-level. 
