September 15, 2025

By Tim Briese

10.6 miles, 3000’ elevation gain, 7:50 roundtrip time

Over the years the Sangre de Cristo Mountains have been my backyard hiking playground, so to speak, since they are relatively close to my home and I have done countless hikes there. I have climbed probably more than two dozen 14ers and 13ers in the range over the years. In addition, there are scenic trails that are long and rocky up nearly every valley in the range that go to high lakes above timberline, and I have done most of them. But alas, I had not been to the Sangres in several years, so I decided to rectify that situation. Also, in the back of my mind I wanted to reassure myself that, at age 70, I could still do these long hikes with a lot of elevation gain.

I chose a beautiful day in mid September to hike to Horn Lake.

a nice view of the sangres from the wet mountain valley as i drove to the trailhead

I drove to the familiar Horn Creek Trailhead and headed up the trail. I was soon reminded of the rough and rocky nature of many of the trails in the Sangres.

the rocky trail

there were a few nice sections like this though

It was pleasant hiking along Horn Creek at times, where I could hear the watery music of the mountain stream. The trail crossed the creek at one point and I pulled off my boots and waded across. I saw only one other person all day, a friendly hunter on horseback. The trail gained elevation relentlessly, and I thought that my cardiologist would be pleased with my aerobic workout. There was a lot of dead and fallen timber in the woods but things got much more scenic when I reached timberline.

getting close to timberline

I was on this trail in 2008 when I climbed the 13ers Fluted Peak and Little Horn Peak, and in 2001 when I climbed Mt. Adams. It was fun hiking past these peaks today and reminiscing and marveling at those long day hikes I did back then.

fluted peak is to the left and little horn peak is to the right

mt. adams, at the left

conglomerate rock, typical of the sangre de cristos

When I got close to the lake I had to push my way through some willows to get there, which brought back memories of many other willow-bashing adventures in days past.

approaching horn lake

I took a nice break on the shore of the beautiful serene lake and took off my boots and put my feet in the water.

the moon dropping behind the ridge near mt. adams

A gorgeous September day in the mountains is hard to beat, especially in a high valley above timberline!

Eventually I took my leave and started hiking back down the trail.

some curious onlookers

I eventually tramped back down to the trailhead late in the afternoon, tired but thoroughly pleased and refreshed in spirit by this great outing.