Humboldt Peak (West Ridge)

Humboldt Peak is the easy fourteener of the Crestone group, a Class 2 walk up a broad west ridge from South Colony Lakes to a 14,064-foot summit that looks straight across the basin at Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle. It is the first day of most South Colony weekends and the best view of the Crestones without climbing them: about 11 miles and 4,200 feet from the upper 4WD lot, or 5 miles from a camp at the lakes.

From the upper 4WD lot, walk the closed road about 2.5 miles to the South Colony Lakes basin. From the lower lake, the Humboldt trail switchbacks north up the slope to the saddle area at about 12,900 feet, a well-built trail on tundra and rock.

The West Ridge route follows the ridge east on a good trail with a few short talus steps, wide and easy to follow, to the final quarter mile, where the trail fades into a jumble of big boulders and cairns lead to the summit at 14,064 feet. The view across the basin to the Needle's south face and the Peak's Red Gully is the reason to be here. Return the same way. The East Ridge from the Rainbow Trail is the longer, roadless alternative.

From Westcliffe, take Colorado 69 south 4.5 miles, turn right on Colfax Lane and follow it 5.5 miles to its end, then continue on the South Colony Road. Passenger cars reach the lower 2WD lot at about 8,800 feet; high-clearance 4WD vehicles continue 2.5 rough miles to the upper lot at 9,900 feet, where the listed distance starts. The road above is closed to vehicles. No fee or permit; register at the trailhead. No toilet.

Dogs are allowed on leash; the boulders near the summit are the only hard part for them. Not a kid hike at full length, though the walk to the lakes is fine for a family. Carry two liters from camp, three from the lot; the lakes are the water. Camp at the designated sites below the lower lake, 300 feet from the water, no fires. Westcliffe, an hour from the upper lot, has the grocery and lodging and is a certified dark-sky town. The Humboldt Peak page has the planning, and Crestone Needle is the next day for climbers.