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14,165 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Kit Carson Peak

Kit Carson Peak is a 14,165 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Combo: Challenger Point and Kit Carson Peak: 14 mi, 6,364 ft of gain, Class 3.

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Kit Carson Peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado

Kit Carson Peak at a glance

  • Elevation14,165 ft4,317 m
  • RouteCombo: Challenger Point and Kit Carson PeakClass 3
  • Distance14 mi6,364 ft gain
  • Time7 – 10 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado

Climbing the Combo: Challenger Point and Kit Carson Peak

From Crestone, Colorado, take the rough road to the Willow Creek trailhead. The approach follows Willow Creek with several route options on the upper mountain. Complex route-finding through rock bands and gullies is required. Stay on solid ledges and avoid the loose rock in the chutes. Often linked with Challenger Point via the connecting saddle. Helmets strongly recommended due to rockfall hazard. Start very early (2-3am) if attempting both peaks. Class 3 terrain with significant exposure. One of the more challenging Colorado 14ers requiring good scrambling skills and comfort with exposure.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 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
  • Helmet
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • Steep exposure
  • Loose rock
  • Storms
  • Low visibility
  • Snow near summit
  • Ice near summit
  • Rockfall
  • High altitude
  • Altitude sickness
  • High winds
  • Route-finding difficulty

Kit Carson Peak on Yak

Climbers have shared 14 climbs of Kit Carson Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app

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Quests with Kit Carson Peak

Peaks near Kit Carson Peak

  1. Challenger Point

    Challenger Point

    14,081 ft · 0.2 mi away

  2. Obstruction Peak

    Obstruction Peak

    13,812 ft · 0.8 mi away

  3. UN 13,543 (near "Obstruction Peak")

    UN 13,543 (near "Obstruction Peak")

    13,543 ft · 1.0 mi away

  4. Crestone Peak

    Crestone Peak

    14,294 ft · 1.3 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Kit Carson Peak?

Kit Carson Peak is 14,165 feet (4,317 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.

How does Kit Carson Peak rank among the Colorado 14ers?

At 14,165 feet, Kit Carson Peak is the 24th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.

How hard is it to climb Kit Carson Peak?

The Combo: Challenger Point and Kit Carson Peak is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 14 miles with 6,364 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Kit Carson Peak?

Most people take 7 – 10 hours round trip on the Combo: Challenger Point and Kit Carson Peak, covering 14 miles with 6,364 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Kit Carson Peak dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.

Do you need a helmet for Kit Carson Peak?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Combo: Challenger Point and Kit Carson Peak, so a helmet is on the gear list.

Will you get altitude sickness on Kit Carson Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Kit Carson Peak reaches 14,165 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 climbing Kit Carson Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 7 – 10 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to climb Kit Carson Peak?

The usual climbing 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 Kit Carson Peak?

The Combo: Challenger Point and Kit Carson Peak starts at about 11,510 feet, roughly 2,655 feet below the summit.

What routes go up Kit Carson Peak?

The standard route is the Combo: Challenger Point and Kit Carson Peak. Other routes include the East Ridge.

Climb Kit Carson Peak 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

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