Here’s a fun fact that might surprise you – Pikes Peak was named after a person that never actually summited the mountain. This tidbit of history begs an important question – “why?”

What is now one of Colorado’s most famous mountains was formed about 50 million years ago, according to Colorado Encyclopedia. The mountain rose during the Laramide Orogeny, a geologic event that established most of the Rocky Mountains. Years of erosion of molten rock molded the mountain into what is seen today.

According to the Colorado Encyclopedia, the Clovis people were the first to occupy the area. Later, the Utes, Comanches, Arapahos, and Cheyennes lived in the area, as well. The Ute called the mountain Tava, meaning “Sun Mountain,” and the Arapaho referred to it as heey-otoyoo, which means “long mountain.”

It wasn’t until later that Pikes Peak got the name it’s known by today. The mountain became part of the U.S. in 1803 during the Louisiana Purchase, and Lieutenant Zebulon Montgomery Pike was sent to discover the headwaters of the Arkansas and Red Rivers in 1806. The expedition also sought to explore the new land, its natural resources, and build friendly relations with Native American nations that were present.

Pike caught sight of the stunning peak on November 15, and according to Colorado Encyclopedia, dubbed it “the Grand Peak.” Aiming to get a better view of the surrounding area and watersheds, Pikes and some of his men attempted to summit the mountain on November 26. Unfortunately, the group was unsuccessful, as they had underestimated the peak’s size, lacked the necessary gear, and faced extreme weather.

The group was, however, the first collection of explorers of European descent to attempt to climb the mountain.

A true summit by someone of European descent wouldn’t happen until more than a decade later. Dr. Edwin James was the first person recorded to have summited Pikes Peak in June 1820. James was on Major Stephen Long’s expedition and reportedly convinced him to let him make the trek up the mountain.

For almost 40 years, the mountain had two names, Pikes Peak and James Peak, which were used interchangeably. That said, when US Army explorer John C. Frémont called the mountain Pikes Peak in his sketches on maps he published, it was officially recognized as Pikes Peak moving forward.

During the Colorado Gold Rush of 1858-59, prospectors flocked to the area, with the peak serving as a landmark for incoming travelers. The phrase ‘Pikes Peak or Bust’ was born and it’s notoriety only grew from there.

Today, Pikes Peak is known as “America’s Mountain,” serving as a striking symbol of Colorado and the American West’s stunning scenery.

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