Hiking in the Sangre de Cristo
10 trails in this Colorado region — with elevation, distance, and seasonal recommendations.
Zapata Falls
A short hike to a hidden waterfall in a narrow canyon slot. The final approach requires wading through cold water to reach the 30-foot cascade.
Broken Hand Pass Trail
Steep climb from Cottonwood Lake to Broken Hand Pass at 12,940 feet. The pass is the gateway to Crestone Needle's standard route and the eastern approach to Crestone Peak's South Face. Wildflower meadows in mid-July, scree near the top.
Hot Springs Trail
Long approach to a remote backcountry hot spring in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Climbs through aspen and conifer forest before reaching the springs in a high meadow. Best done as an overnight backpack.
Crestone Peak (South Face)
One of Colorado's toughest 14ers. Class 3 South Face route from South Colony Lakes. Solid conglomerate rock, real exposure, and a long approach. Helmet required.
Crestone Needle (South Face)
Famous Class 3 line up the south face from Broken Hand Pass. Tight gully route requires solid scrambling skill and helmet. Pair with Crestone Peak for the classic traverse.
Humboldt Peak (West Ridge)
Easiest 14er in the Sangres at Class 2. Standard route from South Colony Lakes basin, with stunning views of the Crestones across the cirque. Solid first 14er in the range.
Kit Carson Peak and Challenger Point
Two 14ers in one long day via the West Ridge from Willow Lake. Challenger Point first, then a tricky route-finding section called the Avenue to reach Kit Carson. Class 3.
Blanca Peak and Ellingwood Point
Two 14ers in the Blanca Massif. Lake Como Road is one of the roughest 4WD approaches in Colorado; most hikers start lower and add miles. Class 2 once on the peaks.
Mount Lindsey (Northwest Gully)
Class 2+ standard route up a loose gully on the northwest face. Note: trailhead access has been intermittent due to private-land issues. Check current status before driving down.
Music Pass and Sand Creek Lakes
Non-14er option in the Sangres. Music Pass leads to Lower and Upper Sand Creek Lakes, two pristine alpine lakes in the wilderness south of the Crestones. Quiet and scenic.