Humboldt Peak under the belt, number 40 on the way to number 58.
Since Greg did Humboldt in years past and this was a solo trip, I opted to sleep in the Jeep at the South Colony Lakes trailhead instead of lugging backpacking gear up to the lakes. We’ll save backpacking at the South Colony lakes for next year when we climb Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak.
I knew it was going to be a cold morning start when it was in the 20s at 7:30pm, and it didn’t disappoint – 19 degrees when I got up at 2:45 am to start the trek up.
Cold Start
It’s a cold start at 2:45 am.
Humboldt Peak is a super-easy Class 2 hike up, it’s just a bit long at 11 miles and 4,200 feet of elevation gain. 420 flights of stairs on dirt and rubble is always fun.
But since I wanted to be at the peak for sunrise, that means doing those 420 flights of stairs and 5.5 miles uphill in the dark. Good thing for audiobooks, bluetooth headphones, and sturdy boots.
Pitch Black
It’s also pitch black at 2:45am…
Mother Nature does not disappoint when it comes to sunrises in the Rocky Mountains, gorgeous lines all around and the alpenglow on the Crestones was worth the hike all by itself!
Sangre Sunrise
The sun starts to rise to the east of the Sangre de Cristo range.
The Crestones
Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak just before sunrise.
Alpenglow
Alpenglow lights up the Crestones.
Humboldt Rubble
The rubble that is the last 1,300 feet of vertical up Humboldt Peak, taken on the way down.
Humboldt Peak Google Earth
Google Earth visual of the hike to Humboldt Peak from the South Colony Lakes trailhead.
Humboldt Panorama
A quick pano around Humboldt Peak. I’m not sure why my phone’s vibration reduction makes it a bit jerky.
