San Luis Peak - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

San Luis Peak is one of the tallest mountains in the state of Colorado, and it's a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. There are several things to do at San Luis Peak, including hiking, camping, and fishing. The peak is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic views from the top of the mountain. If you're looking for an adventure, San Luis Peak is the perfect place to explore.

At an elevation of 14,022 feet, San Luis Peak is the seventh highest mountain in the state of Colorado. Prior to Euro-American settlement, the mountain was part of the homelands of the Ute people. The first recorded ascent of the peak was made in 1858 by a group of surveyors working for the U.S. government. However, it wasn't until 1869 that a party led by prospector George Williams reached the summit. Williams subsequently claimed the peak for England, naming it Mount Sir Richard for Sir Richard Burton, an English explorer and writer. Inantonio Domenici, a member of Williams' party, later made another ascent of the peak and named it San Luis Peak after his hometown in New Mexico. Although San Luis Peak is not one of Colorado's fourteeners, it is a popular destination for climbers due to its prominence and views.

The best time to visit San Luis Peak is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the scenery is stunning. The mountain provides an excellent opportunity for hiking, camping, and fishing, and there are several trails to explore. During the summer, the mountain is also a popular spot for picnicking and bird watching. 

1. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go. San Luis Peak is notorious for rapidly changing conditions, and you don't want to be caught in a storm.
2.  Bring plenty of water and snacks. There are no water sources along the trail, so you'll need to carry all the water you'll need for the hike. And since the trail is more than 14 miles round trip, you'll need enough food to keep your energy up.
3. Start early. The trail is long and challenging, so you'll want to give yourself plenty of time to complete it. Aim to start hiking by 6am at the latest.
4. Be prepared for altitude sickness. If you're not used to hiking at high altitudes, San Luis Peak can be a tough adjustment. Be sure to drink lots of water and take it slowly at first until your body gets acclimated.
5. Leave a trip plan with someone at home - letting someone know where you're going and when you expect to return is always a good idea when hiking in remote areas.
6. Get an early start. The parking lot often fills up by mid-morning, so it's best to arrive early if you want to secure a spot.
7. Use the restroom before you start hiking. There are no restrooms along the trail, so make sure you take care of business before you begin your hike.
8. Don't underestimate the hike. The trail may look short, but it's steep in places and can be challenging for inexperienced hikers. Make sure you're up for the challenge before embarking on your journey.

1. At an elevation of 14,022 feet, San Luis Peak is the seventh highest peak in the state of Colorado.
2.  The mountain was named after the nearby town of San Luis, which was established in 1858.
3. The standard route to the summit follows a trail that begins at the Rio Grande Reservoir.
4. San Luis Peak is a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers, with several hundred people summiting each year.
5. The San Luis Valley, which surrounds the mountain, is one of the largest agricultural regions in Colorado.
6. San Luis Peak is part of the massive San Juan Mountains, which stretch for over 400 miles across Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.

With so much to see and do, it is recommended that hikers allow at least two days to explore San Luis Peak. By giving yourself ample time to enjoy the hike, you can be sure to make the most of your experience.

There are several different routes to the summit, but the most popular option is to start from the trailhead at South Fork. From there, it is a moderate hike of about seven miles to reach the top. The trail climbs steadily, but it is well-maintained and easy to follow. 

There is no entrance fee to explore San Luis Peak, Saguache County, Colorado. However, there is a parking fee of $5 per vehicle.

The peak is open to the public for hiking and camping.