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One of the most remote and easiest Colorado 14ers.


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Map Key

15.0

Miles

24.1

KM

79%

Runnable

13,974' 4,259 m

High

11,128' 3,392 m

Low

3,784' 1,154 m

Up

3,783' 1,153 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (5°)

42%

Max Grade (23°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views · Wildlife

Overview

San Luis Peak is about 10 miles by dirt road north off of CO Hwy 149 near Creede. While an easy outing once you're on trail, simply getting to the trailhead is a bit of a challenge. This is an excellent choice for those who want an easier 14er to summit, but don't want to deal with the crowds typical of the Front Range. Even on a summer weekend, you're unlikely to see more than ten other people!

Need to Know

While an easy 14er, San Luis Peak is still an alpine environment, and a long way from civilization! Bring good footwear and clothing, along with plenty of water, and expect 8 hrs round trip for the average outing. Oh, and your cell phone won't do you any good out here, so make sure that someone knows where you're going and when you'll be back.

Runner Notes

While possible, loose rocks combined with steep ascents make for a treacherous run.

Description

Start your journey by heading up the dirt road from the mine parking lot or if you have 4WD and good clearance, you can drive to a campsite at the end of the dirt road to skip about 1.75 mi of 4WD road travel.

From the upper parking area, head up the first (steep) section to meet the Colorado Trail (CT) on the Continental Divide. This section is short but steep, so grit your teeth and get through it. It's well worth it.

Finding the connection to the Colorado Trail (CT) can be challenging as the connector trail is lightly used. The Colorado Trail (CT) is obvious though. Once you hit it, turn right (east). You should be able to see San Luis Peak in the distance across a wide open bowl.

Follow the Colorado Trail (CT) down and around the big bowl until you reach a saddle at the base of the climb to the summit. Here you get off of the Colorado Trail (CT) and onto the Southern Ridge Trail, which is rocky but very manageable and short.

Reach the summit, snap a few photos, and take some time at the summit to admire the views that you earned! Once you've had your fill at the top, turn around and head back!

For a little extra mileage, you can descend the north side on the San Luis Peak Trail, which will connect back to the Colorado Trail (CT) farther to the east. Make sure to make a right turn at the Colorado Trail (CT) to get going back in the direction that you came.

Flora & Fauna

You'll see many alpine natives such as pika and marmot, and you may even have the chance to spot some alpine wildflowers if you're in the area at the right time of year.

Contacts

Shared By:

Donald McClure

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 3 votes

#3703

Overall
  4.0 from 3 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#508

in Colorado

#3,703

Overall
5 Views Last Month
3,198 Since Jul 14, 2016
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Photos

San Luis summit.
Jul 14, 2016 near Creede, CO
View of San Luis Peak from Colorado Trail.
Jul 14, 2016 near Creede, CO
Lower section of trial (off Bachelor Loop Rd) is jeep road up to trailhead parking lot.
Dec 11, 2020 near Creede, CO
Just past San Luis Peak about mile 9
Jul 15, 2020 near Creede, CO
4-wheelers btwn upper and lower P lot.
Dec 11, 2020 near Creede, CO
Section of trail that skirts Willow Creek crossing.
Dec 11, 2020 near Creede, CO

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