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North Slopes

Challenger Point · 14,081' · Rank #36

Class 2 Standard Route
13.5
miles RT
5,400
ft gain
Class 2
difficulty
8-11
hours

Trail Map

Trail data coming soon

We're working on adding detailed trail maps and elevation profiles for this route.

Route Details

Distance
13.5 miles RT
Elevation Gain
5,400'
Difficulty
Class 2
Exposure
Low
Typical Time
8-11 hours

Trailhead

Name
Willow Lake Trailhead
Starting Elevation
8,900'
Coordinates
37.9858°N, 105.5506°W

Parking & Access

Parking
Dispersed 20-50 spots
Fee
Free
No Service

Dispersed parking at Willow Creek TH. 2 mi dirt road access. Sangre de Cristo Wilderness regulations.

Route Description

The moderate route to Challenger. From Willow Lake, climb the north slopes on Class 2 terrain. Usually climbed in combination with Kit Carson Peak. The memorial plaque at the summit honors the Challenger astronauts.

Gear & Preparation

A great introduction to the Sangre de Cristo Range. The Kit Carson combo makes for a full but manageable day.

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Safety Notice: Mountain climbing is inherently dangerous. Always check current conditions, prepare properly, and make your own safety decisions. This site is for informational purposes only.