Kit Carson Mountain peak
Kit Carson Mountain rises to 14,165 ft in Sangre-De-Cristo-Range within the Sangre De Cristo Range range.
With an elevation of approximately 14,165 feet, it offers a challenging and rewarding climb for experienced mountaineers. The mountain is named after Kit Carson, a legendary frontiersman and explorer who played a significant role in the early settlement of the American West.
As for its size, Kit Carson Mountain covers a vast area, with its summit providing sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. It is often climbed in conjunction with its neighboring peak, Challenger Point, creating a popular loop for climbers. The mountain is known for its rugged terrain, including steep slopes and rocky ridges, which require technical climbing skills.
During the winter season, Kit Carson Mountain experiences a significant snowpack. The snowpack range varies depending on the year and weather conditions, but it typically accumulates from December through April. This makes winter ascents more challenging and requires mountaineers to possess appropriate gear and avalanche safety knowledge.
Kit Carson Mountain is also known for its influence on local waterways. It contributes to the runoff of several creeks and rivers in the region, including Willow Creek and the North Fork of the South Arkansas River. These waterways are essential for the local ecosystem, providing habitat for various wildlife species and supporting recreational activities such as fishing and rafting.
In conclusion, Kit Carson Mountain is a prominent peak in the Rocky Mountains, offering a challenging climb with its rugged terrain and high elevation. With its deep snowpack during winter, it requires careful planning and mountaineering skills. The mountain's historical name and association with Kit Carson add to its allure, making it an enticing destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure in the Rocky Mountains.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Sangre-De-Cristo-Range range.
Snowpack near Kit Carson Mountain
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aspen Springs Amrad | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Gallegos Peak | 2 in | → |
| Fremont Pass | 20 in | → |
| Nohrsc Fool Creek | 4 in | → |
| Berthoud Summit | 6 in | → |
| Golden 12.5 Nw, Co | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Grizzly Peak | 2 in | → |
| Nohrsc Echo Lake | 6 in | → |
| Nohrsc Glen Cove | 1 in | → |
Streamflow near Kit Carson Mountain
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| San Antonio River At Mouth | 53 cfs | → |
| Rio Grande Near Monte Vista | 495 cfs | → |
| La Jara Creek At Gallegos Ranch | 4 cfs | → |
| Cottonwood Creek Near Crestone | 4 cfs | → |
| Culebra Creek At San Luis | 17 cfs | → |
| Rio Grande At Alamosa | 19 cfs | → |
| La Garita Creek Near La Garita | 4 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 Kit Carson Mountain
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Kit Carson Mountain.
Ski areas
- Sandia Peak Ski Area
- Breckenridge Ski Resort
- Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area
- Copper Mountain Resort
- Sipapu Ski Area
- Keystone Resort
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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