Kit Carson is a rugged mountain in the Sangre de Christo Range. It’s a long climb to the summit, requiring a trip over another 14er, Challenger Point, to reach it. Route-finding is the biggest single challenge. Many people have lost their way while descending down a gully only to enter dangerous, Class 4 and 5 terrain. Take your time, study the route well, and bring a map, compass, and GPS. Plan your trip climbing Kit Carson Peak with my Route Guide below.
New to 14ers? Get ready with my Beginner’s Guide here
Climbing Kit Carson Peak: Fast Facts
- Standard Route: Via Challenger Pt.
- Trailhead: Willow Creek
- Elevation Gain: 6,250 feet
- Round-Trip Distance: 14.5 Miles
- Difficulty Level: Class 3 Climb
- Range: Sangre de Christo
CAUTION: This Route is Hazardous!
You are responsible for your personal safety in the backcountry.
These peaks can be unpredictable and dangerous. Help is often hours or days away: your safety is primarily your responsibility. Prepare for your trek, understand your limits, be aware of the risks, and equip yourself with the necessary skills and gear.
Climbing Kit Carson Peak Via Challenger Point
Start climbing Kit Carson Peak by following my Challenger Point Route Guide to summit the peak successfully. Check the weather conditions from the top before continuing to the Kit Carson Peak route. From the summit of Challenger Point, you can see much of the route to come ahead.
This route enters class three terrain. I recommend reviewing the route description on 14ers.com for an in-depth overview of the entire route, with photos and maps to help plan.
It’s important to have access to a good topographical map of the Kit Carson Peak route during your climb. I recommend downloading this on your phone or other digital device, and printing out another paper backup copy in case anything happens to your electronics.
You should check the wether multiple times, from multiple sources in the days leading up to your hike or climb. Here are several dependable mountain weather sources for the Kit Carson Peak route.
Mountain Forecast Kit Carson Peak
NOAA Weather Forecast Kit Carson Peak
The right gear makes climbing Kit Carson Peak much easier, and will also help you stay safe. Here’s a rundown on what you should bring with you for this difficult route.
Start with a good pair of hiking boots (I recommend them over shoes due to their ankle support). Here are six of my favorite hiking boots for 14ers.
You should also have the ten essentials with you during your hike and climb. These are the key pieces of gear needed to stay safe and respond to emergencies in the mountains. As Kit Carson Peak is a difficult mountain, it is best to be prepared. Here is a refresher on the topic.
A backpack will help you store your ten essentials as you go on your hike. For day trips, aim for a bag between 15 and 30 liters in capacity. If you’re climbing Kit Carson Peak over several days, you will want a bag with 45-65 liters. Here are some of my favorite options.
Learn more about packing for a 14er here.
Camping near Kit Carson Peak:
There are also many dispersed camping opportunities along the road up to the upper trailhead ideal for those climbing Kit Carson Peak. Learn more about dispersed camping near 14ers here.
Lodging near Kit Carson Peak:
There are many cabins available via Airbnb and other services in Crestone and Alamosa, perfect for those climbing Kit Carson Peak.
The area around Kit Carson Peak is still largely pristine, but more and more people are visiting it every year. Help us preserve this spectacular ecosystem by following these important Leave No Trace practices while climbing Kit Carson Peak.
- Plan ahead, review the route and pick a weekday or day in September to hike.
- Stay on the trail, and keep dogs leashed on and off-trail to reduce trampling of alpine grass.
- Leave your Bluetooth speaker at home and let nature’s sound reign.
- Urinate off trail, and pack out your waste – a cathole won’t work at high altitude.
- Give wildlife a wide berth – 100 meters if possible. If they approach, back up to keep space.
- Take nothing but pictures, and leave nothing but footprints.
Safe travels, and good luck climbing Kit Carson Peak!
More info coming soon.
Climbing Kit Carson Peak is an inherently high-risk activity – do so at your own risk, and use the following best practices to help keep yourself safe.
- Research your route and bring a compass & topographic map.
- Check the weather forecast and stay home during inclement weather.
- Bring the Ten Essentials and the knowledge/skill to use them.
- Leave your plans with someone back home along with a detailed itinerary.
- Start early, and end early: Be back at tree line by noon to avoid lightning.
- Bring a buddy on your first ascent, preferably someone experienced.
NEW TO 14ERS? CHECK OUT MY BEGINNERS GUIDE FOR A SAFE FIRST SUMMIT!
Climbing Kit Carson Peak is an inherently high-risk, dangerous activity. There is a significant risk of injury or death, even with proper planning and experience. Those using my guide accept all risks associated with climbing 14ers and do not hold this website or any information they obtain from it liable for any accidents or injuries that occur while engaging in these activities on Colorado’s high peaks. It is each hiker or climber’s responsibility to research their route carefully, bring the ten essentials, and practice other safe practices, though even these precautions do not eliminate risk and danger. Visit these summits at your own risk.
