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Challenger Point - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

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About Challenger Point

Challenger Point is a mountain peak in the San Luis Valley. The peak is named for the Space Shuttle Challenger, which broke up shortly after liftoff on January 28, 1986. The Crew Memorial, located at the summit of Challenger Point, honors the seven astronauts who lost their lives in the accident. The memorial consists of a large granite boulder with a plaque listing the names of the crew members. It is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, and offers stunning views of the valley below.
Address : Challenger Point, Colorado 81252, USA

Things to Do at Challenger Point

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.


Top Activities Near Challenger Point

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History of Challenger Point

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.


Best Time to Visit Challenger Point

 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.


Tips for Visiting Challenger Point

  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.

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Challenger Point

  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. 
     

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Challenger Point

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


How to Reach 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.


Entrance Fee of Challenger Point

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


Opening Hours of Challenger Point

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


Attractions Near Challenger Point

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Kit Carson PeakTowering at an impressive 14,165 feet, Kit Carson Peak is the sixth highest peak in the state of Colorado. The peak is part of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range and offers stunning views of the nearby peaks and valleys. Although it is a popular destination for hikers and climbers, the summit can be challenging to reach, requiring a strenuous hike or a technical climb. However, those who make the effort are rewarded with one of the most breathtaking panoramas in all of Colorado.
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Columbia PointColumbia Point is located in Saguache County, Colorado. The area is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities. Columbia Point is home to a variety of businesses, including a grocery store, a post office, and several restaurants. The area also offers a variety of recreational activities, such as hiking, fishing, and camping. Columbia Point is a great place to live, work, and play.
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Sangre de Cristo WildernessThe Sangre de Cristo Wilderness is located in Saguache County, Colorado. The area is known for its dramatic landscapes, which include alpine meadows, forests, and peaks. The wilderness is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and black bears. Visitors to the area can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. The Sangre de Cristo Wilderness provides a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Colorado's mountains.
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Willow LakeWillow Lake is a natural lake located in Saguache County. The lake is fed by several small streams and is surrounded by willow trees and other vegetation. Willow Lake is a popular destination for fishing, swimming, and picnicking. There are also several campgrounds located near the lake. In addition to its recreational uses, Willow Lake is also an important ecosystem. The lake is home to a variety of fish, amphibians, and birds. Willow Lake is also a stopover point for many migratory birds.
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Crestone PeakCrestone Peak is the highest summit of the Crestones, a cluster of high peaks in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Colorado. The peak is also the seventh-highest peak in the state and the twentieth-highest peak in the contiguous United States. Crestone Peak is notable for its dramatic relief, as it rises over 7,000 feet from the San Luis Valley floor in only 2 miles. Crestone Peak is a popular destination for mountaineers and hikers, and it is frequently climbed via its east face.
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Mount AdamsMount Adams is a high mountain summit of the Crestones in the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The 13,937-foot thirteener is located in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, 5.1 miles east by north of the Town of Crestone, Colorado, United States, on the drainage divide separating San Isabel National Forest and Custer County from Rio Grande National Forest and Saguache County.

Discover More Attractions in Saguache County, Home of Challenger Point

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Saguache County
Saguache County is a beautiful destination for tourists seeking to experience the great outdoors. The county is home to several National Forests and Parks, as well as the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding in the summer months, and in the winter, they can hit the slopes at one of the area's ski resorts. There are also numerous hot springs in the area, which are perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploring. Whether you're l

Location of Challenger Point


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