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CHARLIE MIKE — CONTINUE THE MISSION
Two fourteeners in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, a 600-foot talus crux, and a decision on Challenger's summit that only some teams get to make.
BY THE NUMBERS

  • Challenger Point: 13.5 mi RT · 5,400 ft gain · Class 2 (Difficult) · summit 14,084'
  • Kit Carson extension: +1.5 mi · +850 ft · Easy Class 3 · adds 3–5 hrs
  • Location: Willow Lake Trailhead, near Crestone, CO · ~4 hrs from Denver

THE PLAN

  • Fri: Drive in, hike ~5 mi to camp at Willow Lake
  • Sat: Alpine start (earlier — 3:00–3:30 AM — if Kit Carson's in play). North Slope route to Challenger's summit, decision point, optional push to Kit Carson, back to camp
  • Sun: Break camp, hike out, drive home

THE CALL ON KIT CARSON Made on Challenger's summit, not on paper. Standing there mid-morning, strong, clear skies — Kit Carson's in reach. Late morning, weather building, or anyone cooked from the crux — Challenger's a complete day on its own.
WHO THIS IS FOR Advanced-fitness hikers, solid on sustained Class 2 talus at altitude. Add easy Class 3 comfort if you're eyeing the extension.
GEAR Sturdy boots, trekking poles, full layering, 3L water, backpacking setup for camp. Helmet recommended — strongly recommended if attempting Kit Carson.
LOGISTICS Roster: max 15 · Dates: [insert confirmed weekend] · Cost: provided at registration Meet point: East-most parking lot, Rocky Mountain Lake Park — off Federal Blvd, just south of I-70. Depart 11:00 AM sharp, Friday. Comms: Coordination, carpool matching, and updates run through this event's Meetup chat once you're on the roster.
www.charliemike.club

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