Challenger Point peak
Challenger Point rises to 14,080 ft in Rocky-Mountains within the Sangre De Cristo Range range.
With an elevation of approximately 14,081 feet, it is a popular destination for mountaineers seeking a challenging expedition. The mountain is known for its rugged and steep terrain, providing a thrilling experience for climbers.
During the winter season, Challenger Point experiences varying snowpack levels. Snow accumulation on the mountain can range from moderate to heavy, creating ideal conditions for winter sports enthusiasts. The surrounding region offers opportunities for snowshoeing, skiing, and snowboarding.
Additionally, Challenger Point contributes to the water sources in the area as it serves as a source of runoff for several creeks and rivers. These waterways benefit from the melting snow during the spring and summer months, providing a vital water supply for surrounding ecosystems.
The name "Challenger" was given to the peak in 1911 by the Hayden Survey, in honor of the tragic loss of the crew of the space shuttle Challenger in 1986. The mountain has an interesting lore surrounding it, with tales of early explorers and their encounters with challenging weather conditions and treacherous terrain. It is advisable for mountaineers to thoroughly prepare and possess advanced climbing skills before attempting to summit Challenger Point due to its technical nature.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Rocky-Mountains range.
Snowpack near Challenger Point
Snow water equivalent and snowpack depth at SNOTEL stations near the peak. Best proxy for what's currently sitting on the summit.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | View |
|---|---|---|
| Berthoud Summit | 6 in | → |
| Golden 12.5 Nw, Co | 1 in | → |
| Aspen Springs Amrad | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Jackwhacker Gulch | 4 in | → |
| Nohrsc Glen Cove | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Gallegos Peak | 2 in | → |
| Nohrsc Trinchera | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Palo Snotel | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Echo Lake | 6 in | → |
| Nohrsc Ute Creek | 3 in | → |
| Fremont Pass | 20 in | → |
| Nohrsc Loveland Basin | 22 in | → |
Streamflow near Challenger Point
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Rio Grande Near Monte Vista | 495 cfs | → |
| La Jara Creek At Gallegos Ranch | 4 cfs | → |
| La Garita Creek Near La Garita | 4 cfs | → |
| Cottonwood Creek Near Crestone | 4 cfs | → |
| Culebra Creek At San Luis | 17 cfs | → |
| San Antonio River At Mouth | 53 cfs | → |
| Rio Grande At Alamosa | 19 cfs | → |
Plan around incoming weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column -- snow at this elevation typically lags the radar signature by a few hours.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
What's around Challenger Point
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Challenger Point.
Ski areas
- Ski Estes Park (Hidden Valley)
- Pajarito Mountain
- Eldora Mountain Resort
- Crested Butte Mountain Resort
- Snowy Range
- Buttermilk Mountain
River runs
- Headwaters To The Mountain Front
- Eastern Boundary Of Park To Western Park Boundary
- Mountain Front To Western Park Boundary
- Headwaters To Confluence With Sand Creek
- Headwaters At Medano Lake To Ends On The Sand Sheet Past The Southern End Of The Dunes
- Headwaters To Confluence With Medano Creek
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