Challenger Point, with an elevation of 14,081 feet, is the 34th highest peak in the state of Colorado. This Fourteener northwest of Kit
Carson Peak was named after the space shuttle Challenger, which exploded 73 seconds after liftoff on January 28, 1986.
The hike to the summit of Challenger Point is described as "long and beautiful." Follow the signs from the trailhead to Willow Lake, and
stay on the left (north) side of the lake once you reach it to follow the trail to above the cliffs. After that, follow the trail to the
ridge to the south, staying to the right of a couloir leading directly to the ridge. Once you reach the ridge, follow it east to
Challenger Point's summit. You'll know you've reached the summit when you read the following 6" x 12" plaque placed there on
July 18, 1987:
CHALLENGER POINT, 14080+'
In Memory of the Crew of Shuttle Challenger
Seven who died accepting the risk,
expanding Mankind's horizons
January 28, 1986 Ad Astra Per Aspera
["Ad Astra Per Aspera" is Latin for "To the stars through aspiration"]
To reach the trailhead, head east from the south end of the town of Moffat into the town of Crestone via road T, until you see a sign on
the right for Willow Creek Trailhead. Turn right and follow this paved road which becomes rough dirt through to the parking lot which most
vehicles can reach.
Sources: localhikes.com, peakware.com, wikipedia.org
