I drove up to Cielo Vista Ranch on Friday night and slept at the gate. I was amazed to see so many vehicles. I woke up from activity of the other climbers at about 5:45 am on Sunday morning. Carlos arrived just before 6 am in a pick up truck and instructed the group to drive up the the ranch. We parked and formed a line to the office in order to pay and hand in our waivers. This felt strange and I discussed this with others in line. I drove up to Fourway in a 2004 Chrysler 300m (two wheel drive and 5.1 inches of clearance). The road was not a problem. I parked and waited for a ride from a group in a four wheel drive vehicle. I began hiking and passed the only group hiking almost immediately. I followed an old jeep road until it deteriorated, then angled further south, crossing a small snowfield. I passed the huge cairn and continued along the ridge to the summit. There was a summit register tube, but nothing inside. I continued along the ridge over UN 13,599 and up to Red Mountain. The loosest rock was found here. I looked back on Culebra and saw some people on the summit. 
Culebra Peak and UN 13599. |
It took 2 hours and 16 minutes to reach the summit of Red Mountain from the trailhead. I descended the ridge and passed many people making their way up to Culebra. I got back to the trailhead four hours after starting. The weather was great: sunny and still, but a little too warm. I drove back to San Luis for lunch and took this photo of the Culebra Range. 
Culebra Range. |
Images
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Culebra Peak
