Uploaded July 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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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

#14ers