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I got a Scion tC coupe up to the newly done TH so almost any car can make it. There was also a prius in the lot.
Challenger may be a Class 2, however, I'd rather take a mile long Capitol-esque knife edge over the part from the lake to Challenger Point any day. After the ridge on Challenger, the avenue over to Kit Carson is superb.
I had done KC before (from the Crestones), and remembered that there was some loose dirt and rocks after the avenue so I took a left shortly after the avenue descends and took the Class 4 variation to the summit. Again, I'd take Class 4 or even low 5 over a loose rock field any day.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Challenger is a pretty crappy hike up and down. We pretty much rock skied down that peak. The only reason I hiked that peak was to get to my real goal - Kit Carson. Great pics and congrats on a safe hike!
Agreed on the incredibly long scree slope up Challenger Point from the lake. I'm not sure about the mile-long knife edge, but I'd take a knife edge over that mess anytime!
Can you drive on a rough 4WD to 11,050' via the South Colony Lakes Road to the South Colony Lakes trailhead? I've read it's only a 4.5 mile hike from there to the lake.
We didn't take the south colony approach this time. The lake here is willow lake from the west side of this group. The south colony trail is about 4 miles away from south colony lakes.
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