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Precision in Peaks: A New Era for Colorado's High-Altitude Ascents

The Genesis of an Inquiry: Questioning Established Mountain Heights

The release of LIDAR data in 2020, covering Colorado's Park, Custer, and Fremont Counties, sparked a profound curiosity in Eric Gilbertson, a seasoned mountaineer and mechanical engineer. He frequently engages in ground surveys of peaks during his leisure time. His colleague, Ben Loftin, observed the strikingly similar elevations of Crestone and East Crestone Peaks within the LIDAR dataset. The mapping indicated an almost identical height for the two summits.

Unveiling the True Heights: A Methodical Ascent and Measurement

Gilbertson, troubled by the potential inaccuracies inherent in LIDAR data (which can fluctuate by several feet), was compelled to investigate further. In October 2025, he, accompanied by two other scientists, embarked on a challenging expedition to precisely ascertain the elevations of both peaks. The undertaking was formidable, not only due to Crestone's reputation as one of Colorado's most demanding and perilous 14,000-foot mountains but also because it necessitated transporting substantial survey equipment to the summit. Upon reaching the apex, they had to permit the Trimble DA2 dGNSS receivers to collect data for a minimum of two hours. Their diligent efforts ultimately yielded success.

A Minimal Difference, a Major Impact: Redefining "14ers"

On October 5, Gilbertson announced a groundbreaking finding: East Crestone Peak actually stands 3.6 inches taller than Crestone Peak. Given that these two peaks are linked by a ridge that barely descends 50 feet, this discovery implies a significant reclassification: East Crestone is now recognized as a distinct 14,000-foot peak, while Crestone Peak is considered a sub-peak. While this difference might appear negligible to some, it represents monumental news for the multitude of hikers and climbers dedicated to conquering Colorado's 14,000-foot summits, suggesting the state has effectively exchanged one 14er for another.

The Meticulous Pursuit of Accuracy: A Scientist's Dedication to Detail

Gilbertson, an associate teaching professor of mechanical and civil engineering at Seattle University, is an accomplished mountaineer who has conquered K2 without supplemental oxygen and scaled all of Colorado's Centennial 14ers, including Crestone Peak. Two years prior, he became merely the third American to earn the prestigious Snow Leopard Award, recognizing his achievement of summiting all five 7,000-meter peaks in the former Soviet Union. His methodical approach to problem-solving, honed at MIT, was rigorously applied to the Crestone survey, with Gilbertson emphasizing the stringent precision of his work.

The Rigorous Process: Dual Receivers and Extended Data Collection

To ensure unparalleled accuracy, Gilbertson's team employed two independent receivers, one positioned on each peak. These receivers collected data concurrently, a strategy designed to nullify any atmospheric distortions by ensuring they affected both datasets equally. Each receiver was mounted on a perfectly vertical one-foot rod, meticulously placed to touch the exact summit point and stabilized with a tripod. This setup allowed for precise measurement of the receiver's height, from which one foot was subtracted to determine the ground's elevation beneath it. The longer these receivers gathered data, the greater the accuracy of the measurements. Consequently, after an arduous journey that began with a 1:30 AM departure from the trailhead, a strenuous hike to the summit, and an arrival coinciding with sunrise, Gilbertson, Loftin, and Elijah Gendron endured a two-hour and fifteen-minute wait at an elevation of 14,299 feet.

The Outcome and Its Ramifications: A Triumphant Scientific Endeavor

The extended period on the mountain, although lengthy, was critical for data collection. Gilbertson successfully caught his flight home later that afternoon. Upon reviewing the gathered data in Seattle, he expressed considerable excitement over their findings: a 3.6-inch elevation difference favoring East Crestone Peak. This subtle disparity, he noted, necessitated the use of highly sophisticated equipment to detect. However, the process of formally updating geographical records, such as those maintained by the USGS, is not straightforward. Gilbertson advocates for publishing these survey results in peer-reviewed academic journals to lend them scientific legitimacy. While such discoveries may not always prompt immediate official changes from government bodies, they hold significant scientific value and resonate deeply within the mountaineering community, particularly in Colorado, where interest in 14ers is especially fervent. For climbers seeking to conquer these iconic peaks, East Crestone Peak now presents a slightly taller, and perhaps more challenging, objective.