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hikers rest on the trail on humboldt with crestone needle and crestone peak in the background.

Climb Humboldt Peak in the Sangres

Climb Humboldt Peak in the Sangres

A classic first Sangre de Cristo 14er

A classic first Sangre de Cristo 14er

Climb Humboldt Peak in the Sangres

A classic first Sangre de Cristo 14er

Humboldt Peak is one of the most approachable 14ers in the Sangre de Cristo Range and a strong objective for climbers building toward more serious Colorado alpine routes. This guided climb pairs a beautiful alpine basin with a manageable summit day and excellent views of Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak.

Humboldt Peak is one of the most approachable 14ers in the Sangre de Cristo Range and a strong objective for climbers building toward more serious Colorado alpine routes. This guided climb pairs a beautiful alpine basin with a manageable summit day and excellent views of Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak.

Quick Facts

Location:

Westcliffe

Westcliffe

Westcliffe

Prime Season:

Summer-Fall

Summer-Fall

Duration:

8-12 hrs or 2 days

8-12 hrs or 2 days

Itinerary Type:

Private

Private

Skill Level:

Moderate

Moderate

Price:

From $386

From $386

Is Humboldt Peak a good first 14er?

Yes. Humboldt is one of the better Sangre de Cristo 14ers for newer climbers, especially with a guide who can help manage pacing, weather timing, and altitude.

Should I do Humboldt as a day trip or overnight?

Fit climbers can often climb it in a day, but an overnight makes the experience more relaxed and is a better choice for people traveling from lower elevations.

Do I need a 4WD vehicle?

The upper South Colony Lakes Trailhead generally requires a high clearance 4WD vehicle. Renting a jeep or truck at the airport saves several miles of road walking.

Is Humboldt technical?

The standard route is not technical in summer conditions, but it is still an alpine climb with altitude, weather, navigation, and fitness considerations.

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

FAQ

Inclusions

Humboldt Peak (14,064 feet) is the most approachable 14er in the Crestone group of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The climb starts in the South Colony Lakes basin with direct views of Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak, some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Colorado.

The standard West Ridge route is non technical hiking in summer, but it is still a real alpine climb with altitude, afternoon thunderstorms, and a long day on your feet. It can be done as a single long day from the upper trailhead or as an overnight with camping near South Colony Lakes for a more relaxed pace.

Humboldt is a great first Sangre de Cristo 14er and a perfect way to preview the Crestones if you have goals like the Crestone Traverse or Ellingwood Arete. Westcliffe is the closest town, and our Intro to 14er Climbing class is a great way to build skills before your climb.

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

FAQ

Inclusions

Humboldt Peak (14,064 feet) is the most approachable 14er in the Crestone group of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The climb starts in the South Colony Lakes basin with direct views of Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak, some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Colorado.

The standard West Ridge route is non technical hiking in summer, but it is still a real alpine climb with altitude, afternoon thunderstorms, and a long day on your feet. It can be done as a single long day from the upper trailhead or as an overnight with camping near South Colony Lakes for a more relaxed pace.

Humboldt is a great first Sangre de Cristo 14er and a perfect way to preview the Crestones if you have goals like the Crestone Traverse or Ellingwood Arete. Westcliffe is the closest town, and our Intro to 14er Climbing class is a great way to build skills before your climb.

Overview

Itinerary

Pricing

FAQ

Includes

Humboldt Peak (14,064 feet) is the most approachable 14er in the Crestone group of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The climb starts in the South Colony Lakes basin with direct views of Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak, some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Colorado.

The standard West Ridge route is non technical hiking in summer, but it is still a real alpine climb with altitude, afternoon thunderstorms, and a long day on your feet. It can be done as a single long day from the upper trailhead or as an overnight with camping near South Colony Lakes for a more relaxed pace.

Humboldt is a great first Sangre de Cristo 14er and a perfect way to preview the Crestones if you have goals like the Crestone Traverse or Ellingwood Arete. Westcliffe is the closest town, and our Intro to 14er Climbing class is a great way to build skills before your climb.

Still thinking about your next great climb?

Colorado is a big state with a lot of different climbs. Feel free to use our contact form. We're happy to be your resource for deciding what might be the most convenient climb for your skills and location.

Still thinking about your next great climb?

Colorado is a big state with a lot of different climbs. Feel free to use our contact form. We're happy to be your resource for deciding what might be the most convenient climb for your skills and location.

Still thinking about your next great climb?

Colorado is a big state with a lot of different climbs. Feel free to use our contact form. We're happy to be your resource for deciding what might be the most convenient climb for your skills and location.

Nearby Climbing Locations

Below are some recommended climbing locations within the vicinity if you're interested in some alternative destinations. Colorado is home to many climbing areas and we want to help you find the one that is best for you!

Climbers descend Crestone Needle near westcliffe colorado

Intermountain

From $907

Half, Regular, Full, Extreme, Multi-Day

Moderate-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climbers descend Crestone Needle near westcliffe colorado

Intermountain

From $907

Half, Regular, Full, Extreme, Multi-Day

Moderate-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climbers descend Crestone Needle near westcliffe colorado

Intermountain

From $907

Half, Regular, Full, Extreme, Multi-Day

Moderate-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climbers rest on a lower angle section of a ridge on the way to Blanca Peak.

Various

From $279

Extreme, Multi-Day

Easy-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climbers rest on a lower angle section of a ridge on the way to Blanca Peak.

Various

From $279

Extreme, Multi-Day

Easy-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climbers rest on a lower angle section of a ridge on the way to Blanca Peak.

Various

From $279

Extreme, Multi-Day

Easy-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber adjusts their tie in at a belay on Petit Grepon in Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park

From $279

Half, Regular, Full, Extreme, Multi-Day

Easy-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber adjusts their tie in at a belay on Petit Grepon in Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park

From $279

Half, Regular, Full, Extreme, Multi-Day

Easy-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber adjusts their tie in at a belay on Petit Grepon in Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park

From $279

Half, Regular, Full, Extreme, Multi-Day

Easy-Extreme

Rock

Rock

Rock

Common Climbing Course Options

Some climbing areas are better suited for certain types of climbing classes than others. Below are a few of the classes we commonly do here if you are interested in learning to climb. While we can always figure out ways to make something work these climbing courses work well in this area.

Guide demonstrates to students how to belay

Various

From $279

4-8 hrs

Easy

Rock

Rock

Rock

Guide demonstrates to students how to belay

Various

From $279

4-8 hrs

Easy

Rock

Rock

Rock

Guide demonstrates to students how to belay

Various

From $279

4-8 hrs

Easy

Rock

Rock

Rock

Belayer fixes the rope while a leader places a cam during learn to lead trad course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Belayer fixes the rope while a leader places a cam during learn to lead trad course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Belayer fixes the rope while a leader places a cam during learn to lead trad course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber squats awkwardly in aiders during aid climbing course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber squats awkwardly in aiders during aid climbing course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

Climber squats awkwardly in aiders during aid climbing course

Various

From $386

8 hrs

Moderate

Rock

Rock

Rock

6435 Garlock Way

Colorado Springs, CO

80918

596 S. Carr St.

Denver, CO

80226

Let's Socialize!

National Park Concessionaire
Bureau of Land Management Authorization
National Forest Authorization
Colorado State Parks Permittee

The Colorado Climbing Company is an equal opportunity provider and employer operating under a special use permit in Pike San Isabel & Baker-Snoqualmie National Forests, Gunnison and Royal Gorge Bureau of Land Management, commercial use authorization for Rocky Mountain, North Cascades, Denali, Black Canyon National Parks and Colorado National Monument, and special use authorizations for Eldorado and Castlewood Canyon State Parks.

Copyright ©  Since 2010 The Colorado Climbing Company TM, All rights reserved. The Colorado Climbing Company offers guided rock climbing, ice climbing, mountain climbing, and climbing instruction with professional climbing guides. For climbing reservations call: 719-209-6649 or e-mail info@coclimbing.com

6435 Garlock Way

C/S, CO

80918

596 S. Carr St.

Denver, CO

80226

Let's Socialize!

Climb with us!

National Park Concessionaire
Bureau of Land Management Authorization
National Forest Authorization
Colorado State Parks Permittee

Copyright ©  Since 2010 The Colorado Climbing Company TM, All rights reserved.

Copyright © Since 2010 The Colorado Climbing Company TM, All rights reserved.