Overview
Beautiful Tijeras Peak as seen from the south ridge of Point 12,739 on July 4, 2004. Photo by Aaron Johnson Little known 13, 604 foot Tijeras Peak is considered a minor summit in the Sangre De Cristo range until one sets eyes upon it. At first sight, the appearance of this mountain strikes fear in the unknowing and stirs the soul of a mountain lover with excitement. From the southeast, Tijeras is an impressive spire rising out of the earth.
This stunning mountain is located in the recently formed Sangre De Cristo Wilderness, south of the popular Crestone fourteeners group. Tijeras commands the Sand Creek drainage and is the tallest mountain in the immediate area. From Music Pass, its peak authority is unquestionable, and appears unapproachable. The great south and southeast faces plunge almost two thousand feet to the valley floor and lower Sand Creek lake, and a cliff band guards approach attempts from the north and northeast. The unseen west slopes are approachable, but at a great and lengthy cost, making Music Pass the only viable option.
Tijeras presents the climber with a challenging Class 3 route in a remote wilderness setting. Views from the top are impressive, particularly of the Crestones and the Blanca massif. The climb can be part of a camping trip or done in a day. Either way, you will not be disappointed. The mountain offers a grand experience in Colorado’s newest, breathtaking wilderness.
Getting ThereThis climb is staged from the little town of Westcliffe, as are most east flank approaches to the Sangre De Cristo range. Westcliffe can be approached from Highway 50 to the north, and the city of Pueblo to the east. State Highway 96 takes you to Westcliffe from Pueblo, climbing up through the forested Wet Mountains, which is the most direct route. From Highway 50, using Highway 67 joins up with 96 just north of the little hamlet of Wetmore. Highway 69, departs from Highway 50 at Texas Creek and travels up the gorgeous Wet Mountain Valley to Westcliffe, with the Sangres on your right to escort you. Fill up your gas tank in Westcliffe. The approach to the trailhead is in the ROUTE section of this page.
Go to Mapquest and do a search for Pueblo, Colorado to see an area map.
For navigation out of Westcliffe to the trailhead, good maps can be accessed at Topozone
STATE PATROL ROAD CONDITIONS STATEWIDE
303-639-1111
Red TapeTijeras Peak is in the Sangre De Cristo Wilderness. Please follow wilderness protocols during your visit.
When To ClimbEarly starts are recommended during the summer for beating the weather. Thunderstorms in this area can be violent.
Optimal dry conditions will be enjoyed July through September, when standard hiking gear will suffice.
Healthy amounts of snow will normally be encountered in June. Do not attempt in snow without an ice axe and crampons. Snow shoes or skis would be recommended for the approach. A snow ascent in winter or spring would likely involve a camp. Avalanche danger would be considerable at the crux section of this climb. Rely on your experience and judgment before attempting.
The Sangre De Cristos are routinely pounded by high winds at all times of the year, generally from the west. Tijeras is approached from the east and will offer relative shelter, especially in the crux section. If necessary, retreat from high wind is practical by retracing the route. Rely on your experience and judgment before proceeding in high wind conditions on any Sangre peak.
Camping
Sand Creek Lake at sunset, Summer 1990 Photo by Aaron Johnson Excellent camping can be found at the base of this climb along the shores of Lower Sand Creek Lake. An outing to Upper Sand Creek Lake, a much larger body of water in an alpine setting, will deliver the ultimate in solitude and a quality alpine experience.
Mountain ConditionsSangre De Cristo Regional Forecast
GOES Western US Satellite Image
Tijeras Peak from Lower Sand Creek Lake, October, 2004
Photo by SP member Kane San Isabel National Forest
2840 Kachina Drive
Pueblo, Colorado 81008
(719) 553-1400
Tijeras Peak is in a remote location in a large wilderness area. Any acquired information should NOT be considered specific for the mountain due to constantly changing conditions on the mountain.
Miscellaneous InfoMusic Pass and Music Mountain reportedly received their names because of musical tonalities that can be heard in the vicinity, particularly on Music Mountain. The theory goes that when the wind blows across the San Luis Valley (courtesy of the San Juans), it picks up speed, and as it rushes though the pinnacles on Music Mountain, musical tonalities are produced.
If you have information about this mountain that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.
External Links Images
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Sangre de Cristo Mountains
