The standard route to Kit Carson Peak, which requires first summiting neighboring Challenger Point and traversing a distinctive exposed ledge known as Kit Carson Avenue.
The Willow Creek Trailhead sits about 2 miles southeast of the town of Crestone and is accessible by passenger car, unusual for a Sangre de Cristo fourteener. From the trailhead at about 8,850 feet, the Willow Creek Trail climbs through aspen and pine forest, gaining roughly 2,800 feet over 3.8 miles to Willow Lake at about 11,580 feet — a popular overnight base camp given the length of the full route. From Willow Lake, walk around the lake's north side above Willow Falls, cross the creek, and climb through willows into the upper basin, then ascend the north face to Challenger Point's summit. From Challenger Point, traverse west and then south along Kit Carson Avenue — a broad but exposed ledge around the west face — before a final climb up Kit Carson's south side to the true summit.
Reverse the traverse back across Kit Carson Avenue and over Challenger Point before descending to Willow Lake. Kit Carson Avenue can be genuinely dangerous when covered in spring snow — assess conditions carefully before committing.