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Peak(s):  Kit Carson Peak  -  14,167 feet
Challenger Point  -  14,086 feet
Date Posted:  07/20/2008
Date Climbed:   07/20/2008
Author:  JasonF
 KC & Challenger - Std Routes   

Party: JasonF, Avs88fan (Adam) & cbauer (Chris)
Start: 3AM (from TH)
Finish: 6PM

Did my first climbing in the Sangres with this pair of peaks. Hooked up with Adam and Chris in west Denver on Friday afternoon. Left town around 5PM on Friday and arrived at the TH around 9PM. Set up tents at the TH and hit the sack around 10PM. Got some good rest although I don't believe you could get enough rest for this hike when starting from the TH. Very long day.

Bill's route directions are spot on. The overall trip was great however the steep pitch up to Challenger ridge line was brutal. Plenty of loose rock which created a very serious (and potentially hazardous) situation. The only time I wore a helmet was up the pitch to the KC summit however I would highly recommend it on the pitch mentioned above. Our party experienced a couple close calls with projectiles of a granite nature.

Great trip - particularly the lake. I had some great hiking partners as well.

Me at Willow Lake at dawn before the ascent. I doubt I'd be able to smile much if the pic was taken later that day!
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Sunrise pic of KC
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Sand dunes and Blanca Group in the distance from Challenger summit - little fuzzy but they are there...
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KC from Challenger summit; Avenue at base
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Closeup of Avenue - looks worse than it is but cool pic
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Kat Carson from KC summit
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Me on KC summit with the mighty Crestones in the background
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Brutal route to Challenger ridge line
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Willow Lake waterfall - just breaktaking!!!
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Waterfall below Willow Lake
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Columbine on the trail below the headwall - my favorite mountain flower
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Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
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Comments or Questions
avs88fan
User
Nice job
7/21/2008 4:35am
I would agree going down Challenger was brutal. Great hiking with you.


bob863
Great report
7/21/2008 2:37pm
Thanks for posting the report & pics! It was nice
meeting you on top of Challenger.


JA_son27
User
Thank you!
7/21/2008 9:58pm
I just wanted to thank you again for picking up my trash(TR fell out of my pocket) I didn‘t really need it since I was kind of following you guys most of the way up! It was nice meeting you guys!


Gueza
User
Great!
3/4/2012 6:31pm
Nice TR and pics! Good Job!



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