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One of Colorado’s classic 14ers, Mt. Lindsey (14,042’), is officially reopening to recreational hikers and climbers this summer of 2025 after being closed for the past four years due to liability concerns.
Mt. Lindsey. Photo: 14ers.com
Located in the Sangre de Cristo Range near Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mt. Lindsey has long been a bucket-list peak for hikers, mountaineers, and backcountry skiers, with its north face route being a popular ascent. However, since 2021, the mountain had been closed after private landowner and conservationist Louis Bacon restricted access over concerns stemming from a multi-million-dollar liability lawsuit elsewhere in the state.
New Liability Protections Pave the Way for Reopening
The Colorado Recreational Use Statute, updated in 2025, provided expanded protections for private landowners, allowing them to require liability waivers and reduce legal risks associated with recreational use. Thanks to this legislative change, Mt. Lindsey is set to reopen for summer climbing and hiking—marking a major win for outdoor access in Colorado.
Under the new agreement, climbers must sign a liability waiver before attempting the ascent, ensuring they are aware of existing risks and responsible for their own safety. This move not only restores access to Mt. Lindsey but may set a precedent for reopening other previously closed peaks across Colorado.
Photo: 14ers.com
For Southern Colorado and the Alamosa area, the return of Mt. Lindsey to public use revitalizes opportunities for outdoor recreation and boosts access to one of the state’s most spectacular alpine summits.