Culebra Peak Trip Report 08/21/2008

Peak(s):	Culebra Peak - 14,053 feet
Date Posted:	08/21/2008
Date Climbed:	06/30/2006
Author:	CliminDave

Culebra in Less than Two Hours
Culebra Peak The long awaited hike of Culebra Peak finally came to pass. After nearly three years of consideration and several cancellations, we obtained a reservation to hike on June 30, 2006. Scott and I drove to Pueblo and met Ron Galbraith at Johnny Carino's on Thursday night. Ron brought along his mother and her husband. After dinner we headed to the trail head via highways 160 and 159. Along Highway 160, we observed remnants of the Mila Vega Fire which had been burning for a few weeks. We arrived at a locked gate that provides access to the Ciela Vista Ranch formerly known as the Taylor Ranch. Both sides of the road were fenced and we desired to camp near the gate so we camped in the road. This was my first time camping on a road, although Ron indicated that he had camped on a road in the past. In the morning, we awoke and broke camp as the ranch hand opened the gate providing access to the ranch headquarters. At HQ, we each paid our required $100. and drove to the end of the four wheel drive road. There were six other hikers that had arrived and I was beginning to feel like a part in a lab experiment. At 6:30, we began the hike. The trail was relatively easy to ascend although it was not very clearly defined. I suspect that this is due to the limited access in the past. Ron moved ahead of Scott and I, arriving at the summit in 1 hour and 25 minutes. Scott and I arrived at 14,047 feet above sea level about twenty minutes later. After the access and reservation issues that we had faced, the actual hike was anti-climactic. I guess that because of the build up, I was expecting a more eventful hike. Never-the-less, this was an accomplishment and my 37th fourteener. By 11:00 we were leaving the ranch and deciding what to have for lunch. Perhaps I might have been able to take just a half day off from work had the peak been closer to home. On our return home, Scott, Ron and I stopped in the Historic town of San Luis. Not only is this the oldest town in Colorado, it is also the home of La Mesa de la Piedad y de la Misericordia, otherwise known as the Shrine of the Stations of the Cross. This short hike travels uphill past bronze monuments depicting the last hours of Christ's life. An interesting hike if you are in the area.

Culebra in Less than Two Hours

Culebra Peak

The long awaited hike of Culebra Peak finally came to pass. After nearly three years of consideration and several cancellations, we obtained a reservation to hike on June 30, 2006. Scott and I drove to Pueblo and met Ron Galbraith at Johnny Carino's on Thursday night. Ron brought along his mother and her husband. After dinner we headed to the trail head via highways 160 and 159. Along Highway 160, we observed remnants of the Mila Vega Fire which had been burning for a few weeks.

We arrived at a locked gate that provides access to the Ciela Vista Ranch formerly known as the Taylor Ranch. Both sides of the road were fenced and we desired to camp near the gate so we camped in the road. This was my first time camping on a road, although Ron indicated that he had camped on a road in the past.

In the morning, we awoke and broke camp as the ranch hand opened the gate providing access to the ranch headquarters. At HQ, we each paid our required $100. and drove to the end of the four wheel drive road. There were six other hikers that had arrived and I was beginning to feel like a part in a lab experiment.

At 6:30, we began the hike. The trail was relatively easy to ascend although it was not very clearly defined. I suspect that this is due to the limited access in the past. Ron moved ahead of Scott and I, arriving at the summit in 1 hour and 25 minutes. Scott and I arrived at 14,047 feet above sea level about twenty minutes later.

After the access and reservation issues that we had faced, the actual hike was anti-climactic. I guess that because of the build up, I was expecting a more eventful hike. Never-the-less, this was an accomplishment and my 37th fourteener. By 11:00 we were leaving the ranch and deciding what to have for lunch. Perhaps I might have been able to take just a half day off from work had the peak been closer to home.

On our return home, Scott, Ron and I stopped in the Historic town of San Luis. Not only is this the oldest town in Colorado, it is also the home of La Mesa de la Piedad y de la Misericordia, otherwise known as the Shrine of the Stations of the Cross. This short hike travels uphill past bronze monuments depicting the last hours of Christ's life. An interesting hike if you are in the area.

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