Challenger Point - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Challenger Point is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. There are plenty of things to do, including hiking, camping, and bird watching. The area is also perfect for stargazing. Challenger Point is one of the darkest places in Colorado, making it ideal for spotting constellations and other celestial objects. In addition, the point offers panoramic views of the San Luis Valley. Whether you're looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure or a relaxing weekend getaway, Challenger Point has something for everyone.

Challenger Point is a mountain in Saguache County, Colorado. It is the thirty-sixth highest summit in the state of Colorado. Challenger Point was named in honor of the Space Shuttle Challenger which exploded shortly after liftoff on January 28, 1986. All seven crew members were killed in the accident. Challenger Point is located in the San Luis Valley, east of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The area around Challenger Point is mostly barren and uninhabited. There are no roads or trails leading to the summit of Challenger Point. The only way to reach the summit is by hiking cross-country for several miles. Despite its remote location, Challenger Point is a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers. Every year, hundreds of people make the trek to the top of this isolated mountain.

 The best time to visit Challenger Point is from late August to early October. This is when the skies are the darkest and the Milky Way Galaxy is at its peak. Challenger Point is open all year round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months. The area can be crowded during the winter months, so it is best to avoid this time if possible.

1. Start early. Challenger Point is located at an elevation of 12,800 feet, so it's important to give yourself plenty of time to acclimatize to the altitude.
2. Dress in layers. The weather can change quickly at high elevations, so it's important to dress in layers that you can easily add or remove as needed.
3. Pack plenty of water and snacks. There is no water available on the trail, so you'll need to carry all the water you'll need for the hike. And since you'll be burning a lot of calories at altitude, it's also a good idea to pack some high-energy snacks.
4. Be prepared for bad weather. Even if the forecast is good, be prepared for rain or snow at any time. Pack a raincoat and/or snow gear, and be sure to wear proper footwear to keep your feet dry and warm.
5. Stay on the trail. There are many steep drop-offs along the trail, so it's important to stay within the markings and never hike off-trail.
6. Please respect the fragile alpine ecosystem by staying on established trails and avoiding shortcuts.
7. Dogs are not allowed on the trail due to the potential for encounters with wildlife.

1. Challenger Point is named after the Space Shuttle Challenger, which broke apart 73 seconds after liftoff on January 28, 1986. All seven crew members were killed in the accident.
2. Challenger Point is located in the San Isabel National Forest and is part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
3. Challenger Point and its neighboring peak, Kit Carson Peak, are both popular destinations for hikers and climbers.
4. A variety of wildlife can be found on and around Challenger Point, including bighorn sheep, elk, and eagles.
5. The summit of Challenger Point offers sweeping views of the San Luis Valley and the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains. 
    

Depending on the trail you take, it will take anywhere from four to six hours to reach the top of Challenger Point. 

The easiest way to reach Challenger Point is by hiking the South Colony Lakes trail from the Blanca Peak trailhead. The trailhead is located about 12 miles (19 kilometers) south of the town of Crestone. Although the hike is only about 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) long, it gaining over 2,000 feet (610 meters) in elevation. As a result, it is considered to be a strenuous hike.

There is no entrance fee to explore Challenger Point, Saguache County, Colorado. However, there is a daily parking fee of $5 per vehicle.

 It is open all year round, and it offers free public astronomy programs every clear Friday and Saturday night.