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5 of the Toughest<br />
OUTDOOR<br />
ADVENTURES<br />
in Southern Colorado<br />
There’s an unparalleled excitement we feel when<br />
we overcome obstacles in the wilderness. We<br />
feel a rush and deep satisfaction when we step into<br />
new territory, or try an activity for the first time, and<br />
expand our perception of our own abilities. Adventurers<br />
who thrive at that intersection of challenge and<br />
exploration should make their way to Colorado’s San<br />
Luis Valley, where they’ll find a handful of the toughest<br />
outdoor adventures in the Centennial State.<br />
<strong>Alamosa</strong> sits in the center of the valley, with the<br />
Sangre de Cristo range to the east and the San Juan<br />
Mountains to the west. Denverites can blaze down<br />
I-25 and reach <strong>Alamosa</strong> in a four-hour drive. The<br />
area’s mix of spicy terrain is a draw for hikers, trail<br />
runners, mountain bikers, cyclists, and rock climbers.<br />
Here are a handful of the most riveting experiences<br />
for adrenaline-seekers in Southern Colorado.<br />
COLORADO FOURTEENERS<br />
<strong>Alamosa</strong> is next door to one of the most rugged<br />
collections of 14,000-foot peaks in the state: the Sangre<br />
de Cristo Range. This segment holds one of the highest<br />
concentrations of technical climbing within Colorado’s<br />
Fourteeners and includes Crestone Peak, which some<br />
proclaim to be Colorado’s hardest fourteener.<br />
The options are plentiful. In total, the Sangre de Cristo<br />
Range has ten 14,000-foot peaks. As you plan your trip,<br />
consider the location of each cluster. Multiple peaks share<br />
the same trailhead or can be connected by a saddle. Peak<br />
Written by Morgan Tilton for RootsRated<br />
Media in partnership with <strong>Alamosa</strong> CVB.<br />
baggers can increase the challenge by linking multiple peaks<br />
in a single day or a multi-day trip.<br />
Two clusters exist in the The Sangre de Cristos. The Crestone<br />
Group includes Crestone Peak, Crestone Needle, Humboldt<br />
Peak, Challenger Point, and Kit Carson. The Blanca Group<br />
encompasses Blanca Peak, Little Bear Peak, Ellingwood<br />
Point, and Mount Lindsey. One lone summit, Culebra Peak,<br />
is south of the aforementioned clumps.<br />
If you study guide books you’ll find close to 20 route<br />
variations for Crestone Peak alone. Study the options, and<br />
choose the route that best suits you, or hire a guide. Irwin<br />
Guides offers technical roped climbs of Crestone Peak and<br />
Crestone Needle.<br />
HIGH-ELEVATION CYCLING<br />
Weaving through the San Juan Mountains, Colorado state<br />
Highway 17 provides a great opportunity to challenge<br />
yourself with some high-elevation cycling. The road travels<br />
between Antonito, Colorado, and Chama, New Mexico,<br />
passing through beautiful sections of the Rio Grande<br />
National Forest as it follows the route of the coal-fired<br />
Cumbres and Toltec steam train.<br />
For an out-and-back ride, you can begin in Antonito and<br />
wind through the San Juan Mountains to the top of La<br />
photo by: kristi mountain sports<br />
18
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