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- Challenger Point
14,081 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado
Challenger Point
Challenger Point is a 14,081 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the North Slope: 12 mi, 5,295 ft of gain, Class 2.
Challenger Point at a glance
- Elevation14,081 ft4,291 m
- RouteNorth SlopeClass 2
- Distance12 mi5,295 ft gain
- Time9– 11 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado
Climbing the North Slope
From the town of Crestone, Colorado, take the rough 2WD road to the Willow Creek trailhead (high clearance helpful). The approach follows Willow Creek through a beautiful valley. Upper mountain has steep, loose sections requiring careful foot placement. Often paired with Kit Carson Peak via the saddle traverse, making for a very long and demanding day. Route-finding skills are helpful on the upper slopes. Carry plenty of water as sources become limited above treeline. Start very early (3-4am) for the traverse option. One of the more remote Sangre de Cristo 14ers.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (30–40 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Remote location
- Loose rock
- Storms
- Low visibility
- Steep exposure
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- High winds
- Rockfall
Challenger Point on Yak
Climbers have shared 14 climbs of Challenger Point on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Challenger Point
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ersPeaks near Challenger Point
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Challenger Point?
Challenger Point is 14,081 feet (4,291 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.
How does Challenger Point rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,081 feet, Challenger Point is the 36th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Challenger Point?
The North Slope is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 12 miles with 5,295 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Challenger Point?
Most people take 9– 11 hours round trip on the North Slope, covering 12 miles with 5,295 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Challenger Point?
The North Slope needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 12 miles with 5,295 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Challenger Point?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Challenger Point reaches 14,081 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking Challenger Point?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 9– 11 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike Challenger Point?
The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Challenger Point?
The North Slope starts at about 11,510 feet, roughly 2,571 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Challenger Point?
The standard route is the North Slope. Other routes include the Combo: Challenger Point and Kit Carson Peak.
Climb Challenger Point with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list