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Dry Lakes and Horn Peak

Home On Foot13ers & 14ersDry Lakes and Horn Peak

Dry Lakes and Horn Peak

September 24, 2014 Posted by Ted 13ers & 14ers, Camp/Backpack, Peakbagging, Sangres 12 Comments
Ted and christy Mahon at Dry Lakes

Camp at the first Dry Lake.

Continuing with our exploration of the peaks and valleys of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, we headed up to another new area, Dry Lakes and Horn Peak, 13,450 ft.

A large part of the motivation to get outside for the weekend was the fact that it was actually our 5th wedding anniversary and we wanted to do something fun. Since the fifth is traditionally celebrated with wood, we figured a camping and climbing getaway in a quiet place where we could build a big fire (and burn a lot of wood) would be perfect.

Compared to other Sangre backpacks, the hike up Dry Lakes Creek was pretty easy. It’s less than 4 miles to the upper basin where there are four lakes, and if you’re wondering, none of them are actually dry.

We set up a quick camp above the first lake and then began the trail-less climb up to the ridge of Horn Peak. The weather was perfect, dry and warm for a change, and after reaching the summit and reflecting on 14 years of adventuring together, Christy and I headed back down to camp.

It was time to start collecting some wood.

Christy mahon on horn peak

Hiking up from camp.

horn peak

On the ridge to Horn, Fluted Peak is at the head of the valley in the distance.

Fluted Peak

It was two years ago that we were on Fluted Peak and caught our first glimpse of the lakes, with Horn Peak out to the left. It’s no wonder we wanted to put this place on our list.

christy mahon on Horn peak

Little Horn Peak is out across the valley. Our camp was at the lake below.

Sangre de Cristos

The southern Sangres.

christy mahon at dry lakes

The eager birder among us was ready with the binoculars.

christy mahon

Six sorted piles of wood seemed like a lot, but we went through it all. Happy anniversary Christy!

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12 Comments

Leave your reply.
  • jenabear54

    September 24, 2014 at 2:56 PM

    Happy anniversary, you crazy kids! Love yoU!

  • may selby

    September 24, 2014 at 2:56 PM

    you two are too cute. happy five years. cheers to many, many more! xoxo may

  • KP

    September 24, 2014 at 2:57 PM

    Maybe I’ve been gone too long, but these are insane photos.

  • ted mahon

    Author
    September 24, 2014 at 2:59 PM

    Thx you guys. KP, it will all be here when you get back. Whenever that is going to be.

  • KFry

    September 24, 2014 at 3:12 PM

    I love the heart-shaped lake….captured in almost every photo. Love you two to bits. Happy Anniversary! I believe this all started many moons again at Janet’s Cabin…..

  • Christy

    September 24, 2014 at 3:15 PM

    So cool to see the photo from two years ago looking down at the lake! Cheers to another 50 years of adventuring together!

  • kathy smyth

    September 24, 2014 at 3:43 PM

    Looks like a wonderful trip. Happy Anniversary!!!
    Love,
    Aunt Kakie

  • mtnrunner2

    September 24, 2014 at 9:31 PM

    🙂 You can’t go wrong in the Sangres, eh?

  • Brandon Chalk

    September 25, 2014 at 8:55 AM

    Awesomely scenic, guys. Great stuff. Happy anniversary!

  • ted mahon

    Author
    September 25, 2014 at 8:48 PM

    Good times

  • moneymike

    October 1, 2014 at 9:57 AM

    A heart shaped lake…I’ll have to remember this for the future

  • ted mahon

    Author
    October 1, 2014 at 10:01 AM

    I’d recommend it as a Valentine’s Day destination but it might be a bit different up there in February.

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