Sangres

Macey Lakes

Jul 31, 2019

Exploring the valleys and summits of the Sangre de Cristos, this time up to Macey Lakes and Colony Baldy.

Twin Peaks A

Jun 30, 2019

A spring ski descent of Twin Peaks A, just west of the 14er Ellingwood Point, in the Southern Sangres.

Groundhog Basin

Jul 9, 2017

It’s become a bit of a tradition for us to escape the July 4th crowds in town and go explore the Sangres.

Anchoring the north end of the long, narrow Sangre de Cristo mountain range lies Cottonwood Peak, 13,588 ft. a bicentennial best accessed via a rough jeep road that climbs high into Cloverdale Basin by the Cloverdale Mine.

Brush Lakes and Electric Peak

Jul 8, 2016

We’ve always insisted that some of the easiest peaks can present the biggest challenges. We had twice failed to reach the grassy summit of Electric Peak, 13,598 ft. in the Northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Dry Lakes and Horn Peak

Sep 24, 2014

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. (more…)

Lake of the Clouds

Jul 6, 2014

We left town for the holiday weekend and made our way down to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains for a little backpacking and peakbagging. The destination was a place known as Lake of the Clouds, and the goal was to climb two nearby 13ers, Cloud Peak and Spread Eagle Peak. (more…)

A 13er Roadtrip

May 29, 2014

As far as Colorado ski mountaineering is concerned, I’ve always considered the 3rd week in May to be my favorite stretch of time. The random weather that tends to sweep through the state earlier in the season usually gives way to a dry and sunny summer pattern. That in turn allows for cold clear nights and a reliable corn cycle on nearly all aspects and elevations. Up high, the frozen...

“Huerfano” Peak – 13,828 ft.

May 23, 2014

Technincally speaking, the mountain’s official name is Unnamed 13828. Lying directly north of the 14er Mount Lindsey, and at the head of Huerfano Creek, some refer to this Sangre de Cristo summit as Huerfano Peak.

Mount Adams – 13,931 ft.

May 22, 2014

Mount Adams rises above the town of Crestone, in a region of the Sangre de Cristos that contain some of the most impressive mountains in the state. Many climbers and peak baggers are familiar with the local 14ers— the Crestones and Kit Carson— but if you’re heading to the area with skiing in mind, Mount Adams should be at the top of your list.