Situated near the Roaring Fork River and Crystal River confluence, Mount Sopris commands your attention as you approach. With a majesty surpassing many of the taller mountains of Colorado, it rises up and fills the valley ahead. However, as a smaller sibling to the more notorious peaks that make up the Elk Mountains, Sopris is not on the lists of many peak baggers of Colorado's mountains.

Most everyone that has travelled the highway to Aspen knows of Mount Sopris. Views are unobstructed and many. Fewer people venture into it's wilderness. The hike to Thomas Lakes can be accomplished by most and when you reach a promontory a little more than half way to the lakes, the views open up and you will be rewarded with an intimate look into the charcter of the mountain. Great mountains speak to us, be sure to listen.