UN 13,580 by Brian Schultz Sunday July 18, 2010
Roundtrip mileage: 10 miles from South Crestone trailhead (Willow Lake trail)
Elevation gain: 4,800'
Another warm, sunny day was in store as I drove from Salida to Crestone. The trailhead parking lot was jammed full of vehicles, no surprise on a weekend and especially since it's also the trailhead for fourteeners Challenger Point and Kit Carson. It would be my third trip to Willow Lake over the years and by far the worst for mosquitoes. I began hiking at 6:45 AM. and was attacked immediately and so relentlessly that I had to keep moving. When I did stop to catch my breath, it was an onslaught, with no reprieve until I reached the lake 9:15. I took a break at the lake for a bite to eat and talked with a fellow from Alabama who was climbing Kit Carson. He was unsure of the route to get there and pointed to the high rock wall immediately south of the lake and asked if that was Kit Carson. I pointed to the waterfall on the other side of the lake and told him the approach would be easier from there. After parting company, I hiked a short distance before exiting the trail to my own destination, via the steep slopes north of the lake. A side trail marked with a cairn was helpful but not necessary to reach the upper basin for UN 13580.
I used this approach to climb Mt Adams the last time I was here. Willows in the upper basin were manageable with plenty of alleys to get through, and from a distance I noticed two climbers descending from the Mt Adams saddle. As I neared them, I waved before turning to the right (southeast) toward UN 13580. I made my way to the steep slopes of UN 13580 and stayed on its grassy areas until the grass ran out, then continued on talus to the summit. I arrived on top at 11:40.
Placed on top by Gerry and Jennifer Roach in September '09 was a plastic jar with a makeshift register and also inside the jar were some fresh looking chocolates. I didn't partake of those treats but I sure enjoyed the remarkable views of Kit Carson and Challenger Pt. while sitting on top for nearly an hour, all the more enjoyable without any mosquitoes.
I departed at 12:30 and picked my way down UN 13580's slopes slowly. The mosquito swatting resumed in the upper basin so I didn't stop much on the descent to Willow Lake. I arrived at the lake at 2:00 and only stopped twice for water breaks from there to the trailhead. I hiked out the last mile with Mike and Matt, two young guys from Colorado Springs and made it back to the car at 4:10, my arms full of welts and streaked with blood but no worse for the wear. An easy hike despite the mosquitoes.
Trailhead to summit- 5 hours 55 minutes
Summit to trailhead- 3 hours 40 minutes
Start to finish- 9 hours 25 minutes