Kit Carson Peak rises at the head of Willow Lake basin above the town of Crestone, and its standard route is one of the more interesting Class 3 outings in the range: over Challenger Point, then along Kit Carson Avenue, a natural ledge that wraps the mountain's north side with a thousand feet of air below it.
Standard Route
From the Willow Creek trailhead at 8,900 feet, the trail climbs through aspen and pine on long switchbacks to Willow Lake at 11,580 feet, about 4.5 miles. From the lake, the route follows the trail around the north shore, then climbs the steep north slope of Challenger Point on a loose Class 2+ gully to the summit ridge and Challenger's top at 14,081 feet. Descend southeast to the Challenger-Kit Carson saddle, then follow Kit Carson Avenue, a broad ledge, around the mountain's north and east sides to a gully that climbs to the summit at 14,165 feet. Total: 15 miles round trip, 6,250 feet of gain, including the re-ascent of Challenger on the way out.
What to Expect
Challenger's north slope is loose and steep, and parties knock rock down it; go early and stay together. The Avenue is Class 3 by its position rather than its moves: the ledge is wide enough to walk, but the drop off the outer edge is severe and there is no protection. The final gully to the summit has a few Class 3 steps. On the return you regain Challenger, about 850 feet, which the total above includes. Most people camp at Willow Lake and climb both peaks on day two.
Access & Logistics
From the town of Crestone, follow the signed road east to the Willow Creek trailhead, about 2 miles of gravel that passenger cars manage. The lot is small and fills on summer weekends. No fee or permit is required, but Willow Lake camping is limited to designated sites.
When to Climb
Willow Lake melts out in June, and the north slope of Challenger holds snow into July; before then the Kirk Couloir, a snow climb, is the usual ascent. The dry season for the Avenue is mid-July through September. The Sangres get fewer afternoon storms than the ranges to the west, but Kit Carson's summit is a poor place to be in one, and the retreat back over Challenger is long. Be on the summit by mid-morning.
Camping, Permits, and Nearby
Willow Lake has designated campsites on the east end, and the waterfall at the lake's head is the basin's landmark. The town of Crestone has a general store and a couple of cafes and is otherwise quiet; Alamosa, an hour away, has the rest. Willow Lake also gives access to the Crestones from the west by way of a long, rough approach, but the South Colony side is the standard.
Gear Notes
Helmet, sturdy boots, poles for the 6,250-foot descent, and a filter for lake water. An ice axe and microspikes are needed before mid-July.
Related Reading
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