Follow the
Challenger Point - North Slope Route to reach the summit of Challenger. From Challenger, Kit Carson is unmistakable (
1,
2). If you proceed to Kit Carson, remember that you must then return to Challenger, so make sure the weather is on your side. Descend east to the small 13,800-foot saddle
between Challenger and Kit Carson (
3) and climb onto a Class 2 ledge called Kit Carson Avenue, which runs south along the side of the peak. Continue along the Avenue (
4) to reach a 13,960-foot saddle between Kit Carson and a large fin called The Prow (
5).
From here, you'll see the next section – a longer portion of the Avenue that descends east (
6). Follow it downward and pass through a wide notch (
7).
8 shows a view looking back on the upper segment of the Avenue. Your next objective is to find the entry point into a broad gully to the left, just before a rock rib and near the end of the Avenue (
9,
10,
11). Near 13,650', turn left
into the broad, shallow gully (
12). STOP! Before continuing higher, carefully look around to familiarize yourself with the area, as you'll need to return via the Avenue and descend Challenger (
13).
From this spot, it's roughly 450 feet to the summit. Ascend the center of the gully on Difficult Class 2 terrain (
14). Higher up, you may encounter brief sections of easy Class 3. Follow trail fragments and small cairns as you navigate the easiest path up the center (
15). As you near the ridge crest, angle left to bypass the final rock outcroppings (
16). Around 14,000 feet, the terrain opens up, with the summit visible to your left (
17). Continue to the summit ridge (
18,
19) and over to the summit (
20,
21,
22).
23 shows the upper route as seen from Crestone Peak. For the descent, follow your steps back to the Avenue, return to Challenger, and take the standard route back down.