Mountaineering · YDS Class 2

North Slope (Willow Creek)

Distance RT
13.5 mi
Gain
5,400 ft
High Point
14,085 ft
Route Description

A 14er in its own right and the usual first objective on the way to neighboring Kit Carson Peak, named in memory of the seven astronauts lost aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger.

Approach

The Willow Creek Trailhead sits about 2 miles southeast of Crestone and is reachable by passenger car. From the trailhead at about 8,850 feet, the Willow Creek Trail climbs through forest to Willow Lake at about 11,580 feet, a common overnight base camp for this long route. From Willow Lake, walk around the north side of the lake above Willow Falls, cross the creek, and climb through willows into the upper basin before ascending Challenger Point's north face to the summit at 14,086 feet.

Descent

Reverse the route back to Willow Lake and the trailhead, unless continuing on to Kit Carson Peak via Kit Carson Avenue.

Weather Forecast
7-Day Forecast
Today
☁️
Overcast
42° / 27°
5%
💨14
Tomorrow
❄️
Snow
33° / 28°
88%
❄ 6.5"
💨38
Tue, Sep 29
🌧️
Showers
35° / 28°
82%
❄ 4.0"
💨27
Wed, Sep 30
🌧️
Drizzle
41° / 26°
78%
💧0.04"
💨8
Thu, Oct 1
🌤️
Partly Cloudy
41° / 23°
37%
💨6
Fri, Oct 2
☀️
Clear
46° / 22°
2%
💨6
Sat, Oct 3
☁️
Overcast
45° / 24°
6%
💨7
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