Pico Simón Bolívar Explained

Pico Simón Bolívar
Elevation M:5730
Elevation Ref:[1]
Prominence M:5509
Prominence Ref:
Ranked 5th
Listing:Country high point
Ultra
Location:Magdalena Department, Colombia
Range:Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Map:Colombia
Label Position:left
Coordinates:10.8344°N -73.6914°W
First Ascent:1939 by Wood, Bakerwell and Praolini
Easiest Route:moderate snow/ice climb, Alpine AD

Pico Simón Bolívar is the second highest mountain in Colombia, with an estimated height of 5730m (18,800feet). Pico Bolívar and the neighbouring summit of Pico Cristóbal Colón are the two highest peaks in Colombia and are very nearly equal in elevation. The difference in elevation is estimated to be only one or two metres.[2] One or the other of these peaks is therefore the fifth most prominent in the world (see list of peaks by prominence). The nearest peak that is higher is Cayambe, some 1288km (800miles) away. There is a permanent snowcap on this peak and on the nearby mountains. It is part of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta range, along with Pico Cristóbal Colón. The peak is named after Simón Bolívar.

Climbing history

Pico Simón Bolívar was first climbed in 1939 by W. Wood, A. Bakerwell and E. Praolini.[3]

Access to these mountains became very difficult after the early 1990s due to hostile locals, drug traffickers, and FARC guerillas. An expedition in 2015 was one of the first to climb in the range for many years, reaching the summit of Pico Cristóbal Colón.[4]

See also

Notes and References

  1. The elevation given here is based on SRTM data. Colombian topographic maps show 5650 m contours but no 5700 m contours. A handheld GPS reading obtained in 2015 indicated a height of c.5730 m may be correct. A figure of 5775 m is frequently quoted.
  2. http://www.andes.org.uk/peak-info-5000/colon-colombia-info.asp Andes site
  3. Book: Neate . Jill . Mountaineering in the Andes . 1994 . Expedition Advisory Centre . 0-907649-64-5 . 2nd.
  4. Web site: Bjorstad . Petter . Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Trip Report.