Outbound Collective logo

Details

Distance

12.4 miles

Elevation Gain

6323 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Mike Fennell

Peak out two fourteeners on this gorgeous hike, with the option of camping out at the serene Willow Lake the night before.

There are a couple different trailheads that lead to Kit Carson Peak, but the one from Willow Creek Trailhead will give you the opportunity to peak another fourteener, Challenger Point, and let you pass through and/or camp at Willow Lake, which is a beautiful destination by itself.

If approaching from the north, go 13.8 miles south on Colorado 17 from the Colorado 17-US 285 junction. If approaching from the south, go 16.8 miles north on Colorado 17 from the Colorado 17-Colorado 112 junction in Hooper. Turn east onto a paved road 0.5 mile south of the center of Moffat. Go 12.5 miles east to the town of Crestone. Measuring from the Galena Avenue-Alder Street junction in the center of town, go east on Galena Avenue, enter the Rio Grande Forest at mile 1.1, and reach the trailhead at mile 2.3. (37.9888 -105.6626)

From the Willow Creek Trailhead it's a simple 4.8 mile trail to follow to Willow Lake, but the majority of it is switchbacks that will bring out a nice sweat as you go from 8,880 ft in elevation to 11,600 ft. 

Once you reach the lake, hike around the north side as you approach the large waterfall on the east side. Climb 0.8 mile south up a long slope that starts off as grass but steepens near its top and involves some route finding. The slope leads to Challenger Point's northwest ridge. Follow this Class 2 ridge 0.4 mile southeast to the summit at 14,081 ft. (37.9803 -105.6066)

From Challenger Point, descend 0.2 mile east to the saddle. From this saddle, do an ascending traverse 0.1 mile south-southeast, go around a corner, and reach a tiny saddle. Cross the saddle and do a descending traverse 0.2 mile east along the "Kit Carson Avenue Ledge". Follow the ledge until you are east of the summit, then scramble 0.1 mile northwest up a Class 3 gully to the summit.  

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Fitness
Rock Climbing
Camping
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Food Nearby
Forest
Lake
Picnic Area
River
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife
Swimming Hole

Summit Kit Carson Peak Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to Willow Lake, CO

Venable-Comanche Trail

Backpack to Sand Creek Lakes

Unwind at the Joyful Journey Hot Springs

Sand Dunes Loop Trail

Hike High Dune at Great Sand Dunes National Park