If you like climbing mountains that are buried in people and have lousy views, read no further, as this is not the mountain for you, but if you�re the type of mountain lover that loves an obscure summit you�d have to yourself and an absolute killer view is the reward for you effort, look no further. Point 12,739 is just the ticket to paradise you�ve been looking for.

Gently rising north of Music Pass in the Sangre De Cristo mountains, Point 12,739 is an unassuming pleasant surprise for the intrepid mountain climber looking for a new experience on a secluded summit. All mountain lovers can�t help but be emotionally stirred by the incomparable view to be had from this quiet and friendly peak.

The climb is an easy and short Class 1 stroll along a ridge that offers many dramatic views. Round trip mileage is five miles with 2,155 feet of gain. The mighty Tijeras Peak is the centerpiece of the striking display seen here. Other rugged bastions of the Sangres include Music Mountain, Milwaukee Peak, Pico Asilado, Marble Mountain and Humboldt Peak. To the south, the Sierra Blanca peeks out from behind the mountains that cradle the famous Great Sand Dunes National Preserve, which this stunning area is now a part of.

The real exciting bonus though is the view of Crestone Peak, Crestone Needle and Kit Carson Mountain. The angle is different and will strike you with awe. Seeing the Needle in profile is a treat you won�t soon forget!

The other bonus is solitude. Footprints were evidence that the mountain is climbed occasionally, but it�s a good bet you�ll have it to yourself, even on a holiday. People have no reason to climb this mountain. It�s just not high enough! All the better�you won�t be disappointed!

Getting There

This 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 Tape

This mountain is in the Sangre De Cristo Wilderness and the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve. Please follow wilderness protocols during your visit.

When To Climb

Late spring to late fall. Access in the winter would be difficult and avalanche danger dictates that a winter ascent not be recommended. Access to Music Pass on the closed Music Pass road would be an epic undertaking unto itself.

Camping

There is plenty of good camping along the Music Pass road, from the horse camp and beyond. If you backpack into the Sand Creek area, many wonderful camping areas are available, particularly at Lower and Upper Sand Creek Lakes.

Mountain Conditions

Sangre De Cristo Range Forecast

GOES Western US Satellite Image

Expect steep tundra hiking and brief but minor bushwacking.

The mountain is prime avalanche country in the winter, but reaching the summit in winter is hardly probable and not a practical proposal.

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