Hello all,
My dad and I were looking at doing some climbing over Labor Day weekend, even with the likely large crowds on any peak. We were looking at a trip involving one of these two options:
1. Castle and Conundrum, followed by a Sawatch walk up the next day.
2. Kit Carson and Challenger Point followed by Princeton the next day.
I have a few questions that I would love some input on.
My dad is not a fan of loose scree, so I was wondering how bad Castle might be for him. We have a Jeep and were looking to take the road all the way up to shave some distance as well as get some more four-wheeling in. For Kit Carson, I have heard multiple reports that the mosquito are terrible on the approach right now. How bad are they, and should we wait for a non-El Nino year to do those peaks? For Castle, Kit Carson, and Princeton, what are he dispersed camping options?
Thank you for any input you may have,
Castle or Kit Carson?
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Castle or Kit Carson?
Jack Derbique
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Re: Castle or Kit Carson?
Castle / Conundrum is listed as a HARD class 2 for good reason.
Even if you can make it to 12,800 in your Jeep, the steep, loose scree
and (even worse) the big, unstable talus (rocks) are a challenge.
On the upside - the views from the top are outstanding!
I'll leave it for others to comment on Kit Carson.
Even if you can make it to 12,800 in your Jeep, the steep, loose scree
and (even worse) the big, unstable talus (rocks) are a challenge.
On the upside - the views from the top are outstanding!
I'll leave it for others to comment on Kit Carson.
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Re: Castle or Kit Carson?
Slope up Challenger is known for its loose ascent. Bugs are bad every year despite El Nino. Although by Labor Day weekend, maybe there will be some nighttime temps low enough to help reduce the bug population.
"Every man dies, not every man really lives" - William Wallace
"Because it's there" - George Mallory
"In the end it's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years" - Abraham Lincoln
"You only live once but if you do it right, once is enough" - Mae West
"Climb mountains not so the world can see you, but so you can see the world." - David McCullough Jr.
"Because it's there" - George Mallory
"In the end it's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years" - Abraham Lincoln
"You only live once but if you do it right, once is enough" - Mae West
"Climb mountains not so the world can see you, but so you can see the world." - David McCullough Jr.
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Re: Castle or Kit Carson?
Well, if you are looking to avoid loose scree, both options aren't great. Challenger is notorious for it's scree and Castle is in the Elks and is a majestic crumbling block pile._jderbique wrote:Hello all,
My dad and I were looking at doing some climbing over Labor Day weekend, even with the likely large crowds on any peak. We were looking at a trip involving one of these two options:
1. Castle and Conundrum, followed by a Sawatch walk up the next day.
2. Kit Carson and Challenger Point followed by Princeton the next day.
I have a few questions that I would love some input on.
My dad is not a fan of loose scree, so I was wondering how bad Castle might be for him. We have a Jeep and were looking to take the road all the way up to shave some distance as well as get some more four-wheeling in. For Kit Carson, I have heard multiple reports that the mosquito are terrible on the approach right now. How bad are they, and should we wait for a non-El Nino year to do those peaks? For Castle, Kit Carson, and Princeton, what are he dispersed camping options?
Thank you for any input you may have,
That said, your best bet might be Castle and Conundrum since you should be able to drive your Jeep up to 12,700 or so, which will drastically shorten the climb compared to Challenger/Kit Carson.
As for the bugs, that is a yearly thing in the Crestone area and usually starts dying down if it hasn't already. Just bring a bug net and wear long clothes, or slather yourself in DEET if you prefer.
Camping options- There is some dispersed camping below Castle near the turnoff for Pearl Pass, and a couple spots above there as well.
For Kit Carson and Challenger, there are a couple places at the trailhead, after that it's a backpack up to Willow Lake before there really is any camping.
-Ryan
"Climbing mountains is the only thing I know that combines the best of the physical, spiritual, and emotional world all rolled into one." -Steve Gladbach
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Re: Castle or Kit Carson?
If so, your choices of peaks seem a bit strange._jderbique wrote:My dad is not a fan of loose scree
Anyway, the mosquitoes should be gone or mostly gone by then.
I'm old, slow and fat. Unfortunately, those are my good qualities.
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Re: Castle or Kit Carson?
The scree on Castle is very loose and is on the descent over to the Conundrum saddle. I wouldn't say it is overwhelming, but just expect some rocks to move. Just go slow and you will be fine. As far as the standard route on Castle, it is a climbers trail most of the way with loose dirt. I'm not sure how much scree there will be on the initial climb from the upper 4WD TH because it was snow covered when I did it. You may consider doing Castle/Conundrum earlier in the year when snow covers more of the rocks and scree.
Challenger's scree is easier (I actually don't really remember it being a huge problem), but the overall climb of Kit Carson/Challenger is more difficult than Castle/Conundrum because it has more vertical, longer distance, and technically a little harder (since you said you were starting at the upper Castle Creek 4WD). I would assume the mosquitos should be gone by labor day. My buddy and I were in the Sangres a lot this time last year and had no problems with them. Yes this year seems to be much worse, but Labor Day is almost another month away.
Whichever peaks you choose, you will not be disappointed. Each group is very scenic and provide great hikes.
Challenger's scree is easier (I actually don't really remember it being a huge problem), but the overall climb of Kit Carson/Challenger is more difficult than Castle/Conundrum because it has more vertical, longer distance, and technically a little harder (since you said you were starting at the upper Castle Creek 4WD). I would assume the mosquitos should be gone by labor day. My buddy and I were in the Sangres a lot this time last year and had no problems with them. Yes this year seems to be much worse, but Labor Day is almost another month away.
Whichever peaks you choose, you will not be disappointed. Each group is very scenic and provide great hikes.
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Re: Castle or Kit Carson?
Thanks all. I realize that the options are a little strange, but we are just trying to knock out some of the peaks with scree first. We are not necessarily looking to avoid the scree, just minimize it if possible. I think I may go with Kit Carson with the idea being by then the bugs might die down and save Castle for the winter or spring. Thanks for the input.
Jack Derbique
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Re: Castle or Kit Carson?
One thing to keep in mind about Castle in spring or winter...your approach will be considerably longer, probably more than double. Just food for thought.
"Every man dies, not every man really lives" - William Wallace
"Because it's there" - George Mallory
"In the end it's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years" - Abraham Lincoln
"You only live once but if you do it right, once is enough" - Mae West
"Climb mountains not so the world can see you, but so you can see the world." - David McCullough Jr.
"Because it's there" - George Mallory
"In the end it's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years" - Abraham Lincoln
"You only live once but if you do it right, once is enough" - Mae West
"Climb mountains not so the world can see you, but so you can see the world." - David McCullough Jr.