Location and surroundings
Warren Peaks is situated in Wyoming, United States, specifically within Crook County. The mountain belongs to the Bear Lodge Mountains, which form part of the Black Hills, Great Plains, and ultimately the North America Plains. Within its own range, Warren Peaks stands as the highest of the 8 named peaks. The surrounding landscape features rolling terrain typical of the regional geography, characterized by forested slopes and open areas.
Neighbouring peaks
Several notable peaks and passes surround Warren Peaks in the immediate vicinity. The nearest are:
- Bull Hill (peak, 1,948 m, 1.7 km N)
- Ragged Top (peak, 1,909 m, 3.2 km S)
- Sheep Mountain (peak, 1,775 m, 6.0 km NE)
- Mount Lewisa (peak, 1,521 m, 6.8 km E)
- The Rocks (peak, 1,677 m, 8.1 km SW)
- Rupe Hill (peak, 1,636 m, 8.5 km S)
- Black Hills (peak, 1,474 m, 9.2 km N)
- Coal Mine Hill (peak, 1,638 m, 9.3 km S)
Standing at 2,029 metres, Warren Peaks exceeds all of these immediate neighbours in elevation, cementing its status as the high point of the local range.
The view from the summit
From the high point of Warren Peaks, observers can look out across the surrounding region to spot several other elevations within a 25-kilometre radius. Notable peaks visible in the wider area include Sundance Mountain, rising to 1,771 m at a distance of 11.1 km SE, and Sherrard Hill, standing at 1,634 m 10.0 km NW. Further out in the surrounding landscape are Fish Mountain (1,805 m, 23.0 km SE), Iron Mountain (1,788 m, 24.0 km SE), Pfeiffer Hill (1,672 m, 21.4 km S), and O'Haver Peak (1,620 m, 23.2 km S).
The range
The range hierarchy for Warren Peaks scales outward through the Bear Lodge Mountains, the Black Hills, the Great Plains, and the North America Plains. The Bear Lodge Mountains contain a total of 8 named peaks, with Warren Peaks proudly holding the rank of the highest point in this specific range.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates derived from NASA POWER data covering 2001 to 2020 provide a reliable picture of conditions at Warren Peaks, with summit temperatures adjusted for elevation. The warmest month is July, with a mean temperature of about 19 °C, while February is the coldest month, averaging about -7 °C. Mean temperatures remain above freezing at the summit from April through October. Total precipitation in the surrounding area is about 450 mm annually, with May being the wettest month (about 85 mm) and January the driest (about 15 mm). Common regional weather hazards include sudden temperature shifts and seasonal storms typical of the Great Plains environment.
Best time to visit
The optimal window to visit Warren Peaks aligns with the months that experience mean temperatures above freezing at the summit: April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. During this extended period, conditions are generally more favorable for outdoor activities. Additionally, visitors should note the precipitation patterns, with January being the driest month and May experiencing the highest rainfall totals of the year.
Nature and wildlife
The terrain around Warren Peaks features the characteristic ecosystems of the Bear Lodge Mountains and the Black Hills. Vegetation ranges from dense coniferous forests to open grassy clearings. Local wildlife includes species well-adapted to the temperate climate and forested hills of Wyoming, such as deer, small mammals, and a variety of native bird species inhabiting the regional habitat.
Guides and organised ascents
While Warren Peaks is accessible without technical climbing equipment, visitors seeking professional assistance can look to established national organizations in the United States. The national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member, and the national alpine club is the American Alpine Club. Established guiding companies operating in the country include RMI Expeditions based in Ashford, Washington, and Exum Mountain Guides located in Moose, Wyoming. Visitors should also keep in mind general country-wide permit rules, which may require climbing registration or permits from the land agency depending on the specific park or region.
Safety and preparation
Ascending to 2,029 metres requires proper preparation, adequate clothing to handle shifting mountain weather, and sufficient supplies. In the event of an emergency, the general emergency number in the United States is 911, which connects callers to dispatchers who alert the local search and rescue team, typically operated by the county sheriff or national park service.
Interesting facts
Warren Peaks stands out as the highest point of the 8 named peaks in the Bear Lodge Mountains. Located in Crook County, Wyoming, it serves as the crowning elevation of its immediate range while remaining closely surrounded by neighbouring elevations such as Bull Hill and Ragged Top.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Warren Peaks? Warren Peaks reaches an elevation of 2,029 metres.
Where is Warren Peaks located? It is located in the United States, within the state of Wyoming and Crook County.
What mountain range does it belong to? It belongs to the Bear Lodge Mountains, which are part of the Black Hills, Great Plains, and North America Plains.
What are the nearest peaks to Warren Peaks? The nearest peaks include Bull Hill (1.7 km N), Ragged Top (3.2 km S), and Sheep Mountain (6.0 km NE).
How does Warren Peaks compare to its neighbours? Reaching 2,029 metres, it is the highest of the 8 named peaks in the Bear Lodge Mountains, over its immediate neighbours.
Is there water on the way to Warren Peaks? 5 to 3 litres depending on the weather and length of the trip.
How is the mobile phone coverage around Warren Peaks? Coverage in these hills is generally patchy and depends heavily on your mobile operator. It is recommended to download offline maps before setting out, and remember that emergency services can be reached via 112 or 911 over any available network.