Looking for Sangre de cristo guidance in early June

[kmoss2]

I will be in CO June 4-8 for a 2-day event in Breckenridge on July 6 & 7 and looking to climb a 14er or two on either June 5 and/or June 8, and one I haven't already done. I'm interested in going for a double like Kit Carson & Challenger Point, Blanca & Ellingwood, or even Castle & Conundrum (Elk range, I know..). Lindsay and Culebra would also be options (though on Culebra's site there is no option to reserve a hike on Thursday, and that Sunday is all booked..), also open to something else in the Elk Range, though I have no experience in either range and am looking for guidance given a little context on my current 14 experience/abilities (see below**). I'd prefer to not travel more than about 3 hours from Breckenridge. From what I understand, the Sangre de Cristo range is typically drier than the others??, then again I totally get that we're all at the helm of Mother Nature and no weather is certain!

**Some context: I live in VA but fell in love with Colorado's 14ers last year and was able to summit 20, all solo! (Mostly Sawatch range). As a lifelong athlete (soccer & track college athlete, and never stopped training after), I know my body well and am able to fly in one day and hike a 14er the next. I am aware and respect that 6k+ vert hikes with double peaks are to be taken seriously!! In early October of last year I was able to to do 6 peaks across 4 days, including Belford & Oxford on one day, Shavano & Tabeguache on another. I already have plans later this summer to explore the San Juans, finish the Sawatch range, and go for the Crestones + Humboldt Peak (all on different days), hence the specificity/parameters of being interested in hikes in Sangre de Cristo or Elk.

Any input would be appreciated! And I know, I know... there are many many incredible hikes in Colorado that are NOT 14ers. So I'm certainly open to others, perhaps much closer to Breckenridge. BUT! I own that I really do enjoy and adore so much about the process of hiking the 14ers. And I do have aspirations to hike them all! So best case scenario, that would be the preference. Thanks for your help! -Kimmy

[Cruiser]

This is certainly a low snow year in the Sangres. But there could still be some snow to contend with in early June. Keep watching for conditions updates as your trip gets closer. Hopefully by then there will have been enough traffic on those peaks that you'll be able to get a good idea of conditions.

Also, will you have access to a 4wd vehicle? You should be able to drive to the trailhead for Challenger in a regular car but you'd have to park pretty low down for Blanca or Castle without 4wd. All 3 of the options you mentioned are fairly long days if you start at the 2wd trailheads. Many people choose to backpack in for Blanca and Challenger to make the mileage more manageable.

[mtree]

Early June is too far away to predict snow conditions.

Challenger/Kit Carson could be an issue if the "avenue" is still snowed in. If you start from the bottom its a brutally long day, but with good conditions and alot of endurance it can be tackled. Most folks camp at the lake.
Blanca/Ellingwood is a looooong day if you start around 9k where most folks park. Without a tricked up 4x4 and serious rock crawling experience you won't go any further. When I did it I couldn't believe the effort. Got back in the dark. Should have started even earlier.
Castle/Conundrum is quite doable. There will be lots of snow, but mostly on the descent from the saddle. If conditions permit, you can butt-slide to the bottom. If its icy you'll want crampons/spikes and an axe. Flotation may also be needed. Otherwise, you will need to reascend Castle. As mentioned, you'll want a high clearance 4x4 and even that might not get you across the river.

I can't imagine doing Lindsay and Culebra in a day. The driving is the issue. No matter what you'll have options even if its only 1 summit. Can't beat that with a stick! Enjoy.

[9patrickmurphy]

Anything in the Sangres is going to be pretty close to 3 hours from Breck, if not more. Lindsey would likely be good to go at that time of year, though there will also likely be some snow wallowing below treeline. I wouldn't count on the Kit Carson Avenue being melted out enough for safe travel, but Challenger should be good to go. Blanca/Ellingwood are usually done as an overnight if you can't drive very far up the road (need 4Runner or equivalent). Castle and Conundrum will definitely be snowy that time of year, the Elks get a lot of snow and it sticks around in that basin.

Looking at your checklist, I would recommend some of the 14ers around Buena Vista that you haven't done. Princeton should be good to go at that time of year, and most likely Antero as well (take a look at the approach up Little Browns Creek), and that is much less of a drive from Breck.

[kmoss2]

Appreciate the input! I realize my inquiry was pretty limiting but from what I gather - both doubles are long days, and if I can come prepared but flexible, they'll be a peak I can climb.

Lindsay might be a great option and Antero & Princeton -- both still on my list -- would be way closer (plus I still have flexibility to adjust lodging plans already made for those later this summer). In an ideal setting, the Kit Carson/Challenger avenue is clear (but not likely) and I go for it. If there is a way to pay to hike Culebra when the website says that weekend is sold out, also an option for another day.

Will have a 4x4 vehicle & keep an open mindset. Cheers & thanks again!

[Istoodupthere]

Make sure you bring a variety of gear on your trip west that can accommodate a variety of conditions. There will still be a good amount of snow on conundrum/castle. Sangres may be ok for trail runners depending on which peak you do, but guessing you’d still want boots. I did Cronin (next to Antero) last year on 6/10 and it was peak runoff. I took a fairly nasty fall trying to cross a stream just above the trailhead.

[Mtnman200]

The Cielo Vista Ranch folks aren't going to let you (or anyone else) climb on Thursday, June 5th, but you can ask to be placed on the Culebra waiting list for Sunday, June 8th. If enough people cancel their June 8th reservations such that you have the opportunity to climb Culebra that day, I strongly recommend you also climb Red Mountain (one of Colorado's 100 highest), as Red is included in your $150 Culebra climbing fee. That would add <1.5 hours to your day and save you from paying again for Red if you decide to pursue the centennial peaks.

[justiner]

There is big bang for your buck by summiting Tenmile Peak (or further!) from the Mount Royal TH. Starts right outside Frisco, CO.

[kmoss2]

Following up on 2 things here!
1. Thanks to all the folks who chimed in! Much appreciated. Happy to report that I got back a week ago and was able to summit Princeton, Father Dyer + Crystal Peak (super fun ridge in & out!), and Antero. Was an awesome long weekend of hiking and driving to BV was way closer than Sangres from Breckenridge

2. This elementary school teacher is officially on summer break and will be back in July for a bit!! Was hoping to hit two of the following three doubles: Castle/Conundrum, Kit Carson/Challenger, Blanca/Ellingwood -- however, wanted to inquire about safety at the trailhead given the conversations I've seen in the forum re: break-ins lately... Wouldn't be camping at any of these and understand certainty is not possible by any means, but seeking general guidance on discerning what *likely* should be OK versus what might be better tabled to another time. Any trends weekdays vs weekends, etc.? Thank you!

[mtree]

I wouldn't be overly worried about break-ins. Take the usual precautions.

If you're not camping these will be long days depending on your starting point (Breck?). Lots of driving. If you can get your vehicle to the upper trailhead Castle/Conundrum isn't bad. Snow typically stays around in the basin into July. The other 2, no matter how you slice it, are long and committed days.

[kyrawhitworth]

I would leave absolutely nothing in your car on the Lake Como road or really hide stuff. Weekday is likely better for Blanca/Ellingwood so you aren't having to deal with vehicle traffic as much. That road gets weird and the lake does too so I definitely get the not wanting to backpack and spend a night at the lake there.

[kmoss2]

Thank you for the input! I know there are no guarantees, but it's reassuring to get feedback that emphasizes controlling what you can control to increase safety.