Challenger/Kit Carson Peaks

The Sangre de Cristo Expedition: A Father-Son High-Alpine Journey

Fathers and sons, steel yourselves. This is our annual, flagship multi-day hike-in expedition, and we are aiming high—literally. We are heading deep into the rugged Sangre de Cristo Range of Colorado for an epic, multi-stage adventure built around physical grit, shoulder-to-shoulder struggle, and raw, high-altitude victory.

From hidden waterfalls to massive desert dunes and towering 14,000-foot peaks, this trip is designed to push our limits, forge unbreakable bonds, and leave an indelible mark on every young man who takes the trail.

The Journey & The Conquest

• The Slot Canyon: We kickoff the expedition plunging into Zapata Falls, carving through a dark, roaring slot canyon to witness a hidden 30-foot cascade and catch our first glimpse of the giant peaks waiting for us on the horizon.
• The Dunes: Shift terrain to Great Sand Dunes National Park, the highest dunes in North America. We’ll camp on the sand, carve up the towering slopes on sand sleds, and test our legs against shifting sands.
• The Alpine Basecamp: We strap on the heavy packs and march deep into the wilderness to set up camp at Willow Lake. Tucked beneath massive rock walls and fed by a roaring alpine waterfall, this stunning turquoise lake serves as our launchpad into the clouds.
• The Double 14er Summit Push: On summit day, we rise before dawn to conquer two of Colorado’s most formidable 14ers—Challenger Point (14,081 ft) and Kit Carson Peak (14,165 ft). Linked by the legendary Kit Carson Avenue and sitting just 3/4 of a mile apart, this high-ridge traverse will demand everything we’ve got.
• The Victory Lap: After standing on top of the world, we drop back down to Willow Lake for a well-earned afternoon of rest, celebration, cold-water recovery, and deep fellowship before hiking out the next morning.

The Mission: Shoulder-to-Shoulder Conquest

Real brotherhood isn’t formed on the couch; it is forged in the struggle. There is something transformative about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with your son when your lungs are burning, the air is thin, and the peak still towers above you.

On this expedition, we are coming together to show the next generation what it means to endure, to conquer fear, and to rely on God and one another when the climb gets steep. Together, we will stand on the summits as brothers in Christ, having shared a struggle that will bind father and son together for a lifetime.

For more information about Challenger CLICK HERE and Kit Carson Peak CLICK HERE

Check out a previous high altitude hike with Sand to Stone!

Check out some footage of the hike!