Seeing that beautiful shot by Jack got me questioning why I never go to the Colorado Sangres, an area I always dream of exploring. My big problem with getting to the Sangres is that all the roads to the major trail heads have such a hellish reputation for eating vehicles alive. I have about a half-dozen places I'd like to go, but always afraid to drive to the trailhead.
Aside from Lake Como and South Colony (which apparently have awful roads with well earned reputations) are there some decent Lake hikes where a moderate off-roader could make it in the Sangres? Keep in mind I have Subaru Forester (albeit a tough little son of a gun for a Subaru). I consider myself a competent off-road driver, and am willing to push the Subaru's limits. Any thoughts?
Posted by Mark Aultman on June 15, 2006 at 9:16 AM
Can't help you with the roads Brian, as that's an area that I too have not adequately explored. However, might I suggest you do so quickly, the next day or two, since with the wildfire burning near Westcliffe, you may get the chance to experience some rather interesting scenes.
Brian-
You might want to take FR 6 out of Coaldale, up to the Rainbow Trail 1336. Your Forester will handle it fine.
Page 70-71, Row B of the Gazetteer.
From the Rainbow Trail you can hike to Stout Creek Lake and falls. You'll be at the summit of the Twin Sisters. The hike to the lakes is about 5 miles and is difficult.
Here is a link to a pretty good listing of hikes in the Sagre de Cristo:
Posted by Mel Ladewig on June 15, 2006 at 12:07 PM
First off, there are not alot of roads in the Colorado Sangres. I believe there are only 2 passes across the range.
You should be fine on Medano Pass, so long as the water level is not too high in the creek at Sand Dunes. (I think the reports from this year were that it was fairly shallow).
The road into the mountains from the town of Crestone to the base of Kit Carson looked pretty easy. I've only driven part way up though. I believe this is the Cottonwood Creek trailhead, but I'm not completely sure.
You should not take your forester up Blanca Peak. It makes South Colony look like easy.
Not really a spot for big lake hikes, but an awesome road into the Sangres is the Hermit Pass road on the east side. Basically, it's straight west of Westcliffe.. One of my favorite spots actually.
The road can be a little rough near the top, but not really too bad. Bumpy, but not really rutted or anything. There are several lakes along the way, including Hermit Lake which is only a 10 minute hike in, and Horseshoe Lake not too far from the top. My favorite part however are the great set of tarns right near tree line (see Topozone map. Great spot for early morning reflections of Eureka Peak!
The stream that goes between Horseshoe Lake and Hermit Lake is full of opportunities too. Start at Hermit Lake and follow the stream up for a half mile or so, and you'll find all kinds of neat stuff. I really want to get down there for some flowers next time.
There are trailheads near the town of Crestone on the San Luis Valley side of the range that are easily accessible. The most popular is the one for the trail leading to Willow Lake, which lies in a spectacular setting below Kit Carson Peak. It's about a 5 mile hike to the lake on an excellent trail. There are several nice cascades and waterfalls along the way. A few drainages to the south is the trailhead that accesses Cottonwood Creek and Cottonwood Lake. This is an unmaintained trail that is steep and difficult to follow in places, but it takes you up to the seldom-photographed west side of the Crestones. It would be best to wait until mid to late July for these if you're also interested in wildflowers. They're very nice at both locations.
Posted by Jesse Speer on June 15, 2006 at 12:35 PM
You are seriously whetting my appetite Brent. I was hoping to get up to Hermit in the next couple of weeks. Nice seeing these pics again!
Brent's Hermit Pass suggested is spot on. A few years ago I drove almost to the pass, stopped where the last snow drift was, hiked up to the pass, and then hiked the additional 300' of vertical to the summit of Hermit Peak and waited til sunset. To this day it's the only place outside of the San Juans that I'd EVER consider having my ashes scattered. Unbelievable views! The whole pass area is a place I revisit time and time again. Almost went up there today, in fact, but decided to head home and get out of the wind.
Another one would be to drive up to the Music Pass trailhead and then hike up to the pass. That's how you access the Sand Creek Lakes area in Jack's image that inspired your questions. You don't have to continue on to the lakes (upper and lower are two different destinations, totally different subjects), you could hike up to the pass for sunrise as it turns Tijeras Peak orange.
Another one is the Huerfano River road that takes you to the Lily Lake trailhead. About 2 minutes after hitting the trail you'll hike into a HUGE meadow and be treated to incredible views of Blanca and Ellingwood peaks (Brian, I think you have a copy of my "14,000 Feet" book, so just check out the image of Blanca on the back cover). If you're up for a hike, Lily Lake is tucked right up underneath the north wall of these two peaks, and Mount Lindsey rises across the valley.
Any of these roads are totally do-able in your Soob.
You've already gotten more info than I could give... I'll just say that in my Tacoma the roads have had some interesting sections but all in all I think the myth is exaggerated. Unless you're talking about the Lake Como road below Blanca... what a jeep freakshow!
Discussion
9 repliesAside from Lake Como and South Colony (which apparently have awful roads with well earned reputations) are there some decent Lake hikes where a moderate off-roader could make it in the Sangres? Keep in mind I have Subaru Forester (albeit a tough little son of a gun for a Subaru). I consider myself a competent off-road driver, and am willing to push the Subaru's limits. Any thoughts?
You might want to take FR 6 out of Coaldale, up to the Rainbow Trail 1336. Your Forester will handle it fine.
Page 70-71, Row B of the Gazetteer.
From the Rainbow Trail you can hike to Stout Creek Lake and falls. You'll be at the summit of the Twin Sisters. The hike to the lakes is about 5 miles and is difficult.
Here is a link to a pretty good listing of hikes in the Sagre de Cristo:
http://www.go-colorado.com/Sangre-De-Cristo-Mountains/Hiking/
Good luck and have fun!
You should be fine on Medano Pass, so long as the water level is not too high in the creek at Sand Dunes. (I think the reports from this year were that it was fairly shallow).
The road into the mountains from the town of Crestone to the base of Kit Carson looked pretty easy. I've only driven part way up though. I believe this is the Cottonwood Creek trailhead, but I'm not completely sure.
You should not take your forester up Blanca Peak. It makes South Colony look like easy.
Blanca Peak
The road can be a little rough near the top, but not really too bad. Bumpy, but not really rutted or anything. There are several lakes along the way, including Hermit Lake which is only a 10 minute hike in, and Horseshoe Lake not too far from the top. My favorite part however are the great set of tarns right near tree line (see Topozone map. Great spot for early morning reflections of Eureka Peak!
The stream that goes between Horseshoe Lake and Hermit Lake is full of opportunities too. Start at Hermit Lake and follow the stream up for a half mile or so, and you'll find all kinds of neat stuff. I really want to get down there for some flowers next time.
Good luck!
There are trailheads near the town of Crestone on the San Luis Valley side of the range that are easily accessible. The most popular is the one for the trail leading to Willow Lake, which lies in a spectacular setting below Kit Carson Peak. It's about a 5 mile hike to the lake on an excellent trail. There are several nice cascades and waterfalls along the way. A few drainages to the south is the trailhead that accesses Cottonwood Creek and Cottonwood Lake. This is an unmaintained trail that is steep and difficult to follow in places, but it takes you up to the seldom-photographed west side of the Crestones. It would be best to wait until mid to late July for these if you're also interested in wildflowers. They're very nice at both locations.
Another one would be to drive up to the Music Pass trailhead and then hike up to the pass. That's how you access the Sand Creek Lakes area in Jack's image that inspired your questions. You don't have to continue on to the lakes (upper and lower are two different destinations, totally different subjects), you could hike up to the pass for sunrise as it turns Tijeras Peak orange.
Another one is the Huerfano River road that takes you to the Lily Lake trailhead. About 2 minutes after hitting the trail you'll hike into a HUGE meadow and be treated to incredible views of Blanca and Ellingwood peaks (Brian, I think you have a copy of my "14,000 Feet" book, so just check out the image of Blanca on the back cover). If you're up for a hike, Lily Lake is tucked right up underneath the north wall of these two peaks, and Mount Lindsey rises across the valley.
Any of these roads are totally do-able in your Soob.
I think I'll head up there next weekend! I can't wait with all these little tidbits. And I'm definately going to Hermit Pass.