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 Peak:  Humboldt Peak
 Route:  West Ridge
 Range:  Sangre de Cristo
 Posted By:  benc134
 Date of Info:  6/18/2016
 Date Posted:  6/19/2016
Details

Climbed Humboldt on Saturday, June 18th 2016. Trail is in summer condition, several patches of snow on the way up but shouldn't be a big deal. A little trouble route finding near the lower lake, ran into a few dead ends where snow covers the trail and it is hard to find the correct way. But just stay as near the lake as you can on the north side and you should find the trail no problem.

Although we climbed Humboldt, I pretty much only took pictures of the Crestones. I couldn't help it, they were just so beautiful and it was my first time in this area. Being right underneath Crestone Needle is an incredible experience. Photo 1 is Crestone Needle from around the Lower SC Lake. Photo 2 is myself and Crestone Needle from Upper SC Lake right underneath the Humboldt switchbacks.

It was a perfect day; no clouds, no wind. Photo 3 is the Crestones from the Humboldt saddle. Photo 4 is the Humboldt summit ridge from right underneath the false summit. Photo 5 is a panoramic shot from the summit. The trail is in good summer condition with a lot of melting on the old road and beneath the lakes, so waterproof boots might be handy. Me and a friend both did it in mesh Merrill scrambling shoes though, and didn't have any problems. Not even a hint of wind on Humboldt ridge and summit, I was able to wear a tank top and shorts the entire time up there.

One more thing. Going down the east ridge will be tempting. It cuts a lot of distance out of the RT. We did this, DO NOT DO IT. The east ridge itself is amazingly beautiful while walking along the craggy, jutting edge. But once that ends, you will have to bushwack about 1000 feet straight down through the forest. We did this, and it sucked. You think it will save time but without a trail and the steep, unpredictable forest terrain, we probably added 30-45 minutes to our descent than if we had just taken the West Ridge again. Eventually after about an hour of slipping and sliding down the steep, wooded terrain, we (thank god) found the road. Although this cut distance from our RT, it definitely did not cut time. Use the standard route, and have fun! South Colony Lakes are BEAUTIFUL!!!



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