San Luis Peak climb (14,014')

San Luis Peak reaches above all its neighbors along the Continental Divide Trail, just north of Creede. 5-7 miles of access routes lead to this imposing mountain, among deep valleys and dozens of other peaks.

Guest Wendy Pickering (in from Chicago), almost-guest Del Peckumn, Barbara Thiesfeld, George Ameel, Linda and Wayne Moulds, and D. Knudson trudged through beautiful mountains and valleys to ascend the narrow ridge that crests this massive peak.

Clouds, but no rain; wind but no freezing; millions of loose rocks, but no falls; Flowers still struggle to bloom in high places. Old spruce struggle to live, but bark beetles are winning.

This portion of the Continental Divide/Colorado Trails was new to several of us. It stretches across miles and miles of alpine and subalpine lands high upon the Colorado hills.

Young runner/swimmer Wendy expressed her admiration of the fresh vigor of her senior companions. Next week on Tuesday, we'll take a shorter hike, seeking some fall colors. 9 a.m. at SF Visitor Center. Bring your camera, a friend, a lunch/snack, and a willingness to look up at what's beautiful.
--Doug Knudson