Kit Carson Peak and Challenger Point, Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, Colorado

Ruggedland
Ruggedland
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Published 2024-07-22
We climbed a pair of 14ers, Challenger Point (14,086’) and Kit Carson Peak (14,167’), in the Sangre de Cristo range on 7/13/2024. We backpacked to beautiful Willow Lake the night before, and had a 5am start the next day. The loose and steep north slope of Challenger Point was the crux of the hike. Once we gained the ridge, we were greeted with fantastic views of Kit Carson, the Crestones and Great Sand Dunes NP the rest of the way. The hike from Challenger Point to Kit Carson was relatively straightforward besides the final loose gully that ascends the summit. On the way down we took an alternate class3 route west of the standard trail that dropped directly onto the Avenue. Total stats: 15.5miles with 6400ft elevation gain

Music:
Undertow, by Scott Buckley
Sun Awakening, by Futuremono
Ascension, by Scott Buckley
Upbeat, by Jon Luc Hefferman

00:34 Hike to Willow Lake
03:41 Climb Challenger Point
09:28 Climb Kit Carson
13:12 Willow Lake and Falls
All Comments (5)
  • @texasredneckhippy
    I've looked at those peaks many times since 1959. Thanks for the view from the top.
  • @markjeffries5966
    What a wonderful climb in a very interesting range. Willow Falls and Lake are a nice bonus. Thanks!
  • @TrekkingTheRockies
    Congratulations on this challenging two peak climb. You were in the land of the 14'ers. Great video and music too. I hope to backpack to the Willow Lakes one day.
  • @pw2883
    Absolutely superb videography throughout! Regarding mosquitos: I believe Nick Sangetta burns citronella to ward off bugs.