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Hiking – California Peak via Lily Lake Trail, Sangre De Cristo Wilderness Area

Join us for a gorgeous hike to California Peak (13,854'), the 86th highest peak in Colorado. Along the way, we will have up close views of Blanca Peak and Ellingwood Point. The route is Class 2, with the crux being 600 vertical feet of steep, loose talus. We will also ascend Unnamed 13,577 (ranked #204) along the route.

Contacts

Christopher Larson
Christopher Larson
Primary Leader
  • Fri, Jun 12, 2026
  • Denver
  • Hiking
  • Adults
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 10.5 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 4,500 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 13,848 ft
  • Pace: 1,000 ft/hr

tk

This is a challenging high-elevation early-season hike.  If you haven't been above treeline yet this year, this hike may not be for you.  Leader will be camping near trailhead.  Participants can arrange carpooling if desired.  I expect to encounter little if any snow.

Meet at 5:00 am two miles from Lily Lake Trailhead, or join me camping the night before.  The last two miles require 4WD/AWD/Good Clearance, so I am looking for two volunteers with such vehicles to take us the last two miles.

Leader permission required.  Please email me at christopher.william.larson@gmail.com with what high elevation/ascent hiking you've done this Spring.

Roster
Route/Place

Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area: Lily Lake Trailhead

Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Ten essentials (https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm)

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