Humboldt Peak Summit Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

From lower South Colony Lake, head west on a gradual, well maintained dirt trail through some willows. In about 0.5 miles pass through the last of the willows before the grade cranks up. Follow the trail up a grassy slope, switchbacking until you reach the ridge of Humboldt Peak at 12,800 ft.

From here, turn right and continue on Humboldt's west ridge up a rocky and often vague trail. As long as you stay close to the ridge you can't get too far off. After about a mile of talus hopping, reach a false summit at 13,700. From here the trail all but vanishes. Angle around to the right along a rocky field, continuing up. Come to some rock bands (see photo) and either hike around or climb straight up (some fun class 4) to attain the summit.

Humboldt Peak has a unique summit, with cliffs to the northeast and phenomenal views of Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak to the southwest.

Unlike the rockier Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak, you can expect to see wildflowers from start to finish on this hike, along with pika and marmots.