WESTCLIFFE, COLORADO — Backpackers hoping to tackle Crestone Peak, Crestone Needle and Humboldt Peak face a new hurdle this summer: freshly installed “No Overnight Parking” signs at the lower (2-wheel-drive) South Colony Lakes trailhead.
The signage—photographed and widely discussed by hikers in early June—appears to prohibit leaving vehicles in the lot past dark, a shift from the long-standing understanding that while sleeping in cars was discouraged, overnight parking itself was tolerated.
While the upper 4WD trailhead is on National Forest land and continues to allow overnight parking, the 2WD parking area is located on private property. It is believed that the signs were recently installed by the landowner, likely during early June, 2025.
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Why It Matters
The 2WD lot, sitting at roughly 8,800 feet, is the only realistic starting point for climbers in standard passenger cars. From there, it’s another 2.7 miles and about 1,150 vertical feet up a rough Forest Service road to the 4WD trailhead at 9,950 feet—an approach many parties shorten by parking overnight at the lower lot and backpacking up to the upper trailhead or to South Colony Lakes to spend the night and shorten their summit day.
Without the ability to park overnight at the lower 2WD parking area, you’ll need to complete your ascent in one day… an absolute grueling route for even the easiest of the peaks:
- Humboldt Peak – 16.5 miles with 5,350 ft of elevation gain
- Crestone Needle – 18 miles with 5,550 ft of elevation gain
- Crestone Peak – 20 miles with 6,850 ft of elevation gain
Complicating matters, the first 1.5 miles of that road crosses private property, with no parking allowed until you re-enter USFS land. If you cannot make it all the way there, you have no option but to park down below at the 2WD lot.
The online 14er community speculated that long-simmering complaints about late-night car-campers, illegal parking, trash and traffic may have prompted the new restriction. Others thought it was intended to prevent long-term stays and car camping at the 2WD parking area.
We are continuing efforts to contact the landowner directly for more details and clarity but have been thus far unsuccessful.
Options for 2WD Backpackers
While we continue to work on getting official clarification, we know this is already interrupting people’s summer 14er plans. If you don’t own or have easy access to a 4WD vehicle that can make it to the upper lot, here are some alternative options to consider.
1. Hike the extra distance
Plan on 5 added round-trip miles and ~1,150 ft gain on the 4WD road. This is only recommended for those in excellent physical condition and with significant prior experience who can handle 16-20 miles and 5,500-6,500 ft of elevation gain in one day (Hint: That’s probably not you).
2. Bike or e-bike the road
Bicycles (and Class 1–3 e-bikes) are legal on motor-vehicle roads in National Forests; stash the bike at the wilderness gate. Cuts the road slog by 60-90 minutes each way, though the 4WD access road can get bumpy at times.
3. Rent a 4WD vehicle
The easiest solution, but also the most expensive option. Most rental companies charger per-mile beyond a point (which you will probably exceed driving all the way to this remote part of the state). If you know someone with a 4WD vehicle you can borrow, that is the best option. Be sure you return it with a full tank of gas.
4. Take the Cottonwood Creek route
The Cottonwood Creek Trailhead, on the western side of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, is a secondary way to access the Crestone Group. However, parking is limited, the trail is less maintained and much more difficult to follow. On the other hand, it’s quiet and unspoiled.
The Bigger Picture - Trailhead Access
Outdoor visitation in the Wet Mountain Valley keeps climbing, and South Colony’s popularity has exploded since the road was gated in 2009. Local landowners worry about noise and trespass; the Forest Service must juggle access with resource protection while dealing with historically large budget cuts and staffing layoffs.
Without a clear overnight-parking alternative, climbers may push higher in unsuitable vehicles, worsening erosion on the already-rough road and leading to more emergency responses to the trailhead. Greater traffic on the Cottonwood Creek approach may increase impacts and lead to more search and rescue missions from already time-strapped volunteers.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
What You Can Do
Plan ahead: Build the extra mileage into your itinerary or secure a 4WD solution before leaving home.
Minimize impacts: Pack out all waste, keep camp stoves off fragile tundra, and respect quiet hours at upper camps.
Speak up politely: Ask the San Carlos Ranger District (719-269-8500) to clarify overnight-parking policy and explore designated‐camping solutions.
Share this article to help fellow hikers avoid last-minute surprises.
Responsible recreation—and clear communication—will determine whether South Colony Lakes stays welcoming for everyone who dreams of standing on those legendary Crestone summits.
