South Colony Lakes

This is a long delayed post. Prior to leaving for North Carolina Scott, Kristin, Fred and I went backpacking and climbing in the South Colony Lakes in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. It was a quick trip, but it was plenty full of adventure. Throughout the trip we thought about Paul. One year prior Scott, Paul, and I had gone on another memorable backpacking trip together. I feel getting into the mountains is one of the best ways for me to feel close to Paul and honor his memory.

We arrived at the trail a little late on Friday. We made good time but darkness came quickly. We lost the trail in the snow and ended up bushwhacking through steep snow fields and thick forests. Things got a little hairy and we were about to turn around but eventually we found the trail. The story of the night was the wind. It was an odd weather phenomenon where powerful gusts of wind would come rushing down the mountain gully. Our tents survived...I did not get any sleep however.

The next morning I got my first clear site of the impressive South Colony Lakes basin with imposing Crestone Needle. I had not planned on climbing Crestone Needle but Scott can be convincing! It was a really fun climb with steep snow fields, technical scrambling up long exposed gulleys, and the most incredible views from the summit. You really can see forever from the tops of the Sangres! Fred and Kristin climbed Humboldt that day. We also explored the Upper South Colony Lake with incredible views of Crestone Peak. We hiked back to the car that evening. Of course we lost the trail and ended up bushwhacking most of the way!