Humboldt Peak

From the South Colony Lakes basin, take the trail that leaves the lower lake and switchbacks north up the slope to the Humboldt-Crestone saddle area at about 12,900 feet. From there the West Ridge route follows a well-built trail east along the ridge, with a few short talus steps, to the summit at 14,064 feet. From the upper 4WD trailhead the round trip is about 11 miles with 4,300 feet of gain; from a camp at the lakes, about 5 miles and 2,300 feet.

The ridge is wide and the trail is good, with nothing harder than a Class 2 boulder step below the summit. The last quarter mile is a jumble of big talus where the trail fades and cairns take over. The summit view across the basin to the Needle's south face and the Peak's Red Gully lets you study both routes before committing to them. Humboldt is also reachable by its east ridge from the Rainbow Trail, a much longer day with no 4WD road.

South Colony Road from Westcliffe: 2WD to the lower lot at 8,800 feet, 4WD to the upper lot at 9,900 feet, then 2.5 miles on foot along the closed road to the lakes. No fee or permit.

Humboldt's west ridge dries out in late June, earlier than the Crestone gullies, and stays in condition into October. It is the one summit in the basin that makes sense in marginal weather, because the ridge is walkable and the retreat is quick. Summer storms still hit it; be off the top by noon in July and August.

Camp at the designated sites below the lower South Colony Lake, 300 feet from water, no fires, and register at the trailhead. Westcliffe, about an hour from the upper lot, has a grocery, restaurants, and lodging. The usual three-day plan is Humboldt, then the Needle, then Crestone Peak, with Humboldt as the altitude check.