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An easier South Colony Lake 14er with stunning views of the Crestones.


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Map Key

2.1

Miles

3.3

KM

48%

Runnable

14,045' 4,281 m

High

11,660' 3,554 m

Low

2,386' 727 m

Up

5' 1 m

Down

22%

Avg Grade (12°)

60%

Max Grade (31°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The land manager requests that dogs be leashed. This is the only South Colony Lake 14er that dogs might summit.

Runner Notes

While steep throughout and rocky at the top, Humboldt Peak makes for a challenging run with excellent views. Faster runners should expect 1.5 hrs from lake to lake.

Description

From lower South Colony Lake, head west on a gradual, well maintained dirt trail through some willows. In about 0.5 miles pass through the last of the willows before the grade cranks up. Follow the trail up a grassy slope, switchbacking until you reach the ridge of Humboldt Peak at 12,800 ft.

From here, turn right and continue on Humboldt's west ridge up a rocky and often vague trail. As long as you stay close to the ridge you can't get too far off. After about a mile of talus hopping, reach a false summit at 13,700. From here the trail all but vanishes. Angle around to the right along a rocky field, continuing up. Come to some rock bands (see photo) and either run around or climb straight up (some fun class 4) to attain the summit.

Humboldt Peak has a unique summit, with cliffs to the northeast and phenomenal views of Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak to the southwest.

Flora & Fauna

Unlike the rockier Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak, you can expect to see wildflowers from start to finish on this run, along with pika and marmots.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tyler Prince with improvements by Ian Marozas

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 6 votes

#7873

Overall
  4.5 from 6 votes
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Trail Rankings

#597

in Colorado

#7,873

Overall
4 Views Last Month
1,873 Since Mar 4, 2015
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Photos

Looking east into South Colony Lakes Basin
Jul 22, 2015 near Crestone, CO
Looking west at Crestone Peak and Needle with Upper South Colony Lake below. View from Humboldt Peak west summit ridge.
Jul 20, 2015 near Crestone, CO
Looking south from the summit, Sangre De Cristo Range.
Aug 22, 2018 near Crestone, CO
The Crestones in the shadow of Humboldt Peak
Aug 22, 2018 near Crestone, CO
A stunning view of Crestone Needle (left) and Crestone Peak (right), with morning alpenglow above the shadow of Humboldt Peak.
Mar 4, 2015 near Crestone, CO
Humboldt Peak Summit on a cloudy day.
Mar 4, 2015 near Crestone, CO

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