Tijeras Peak

Statistics

• Date - 09/07/2025
• Elevation - 13,604'
• Route - North Slopes
• Miles - 11.2
• Elevation Gain - 4,579'
• ACME Mapper - Link
• CalTopo - Link
• Partners - Kennedy Just

Description

The statistics for this hike are a bit unconventional since I added some mileage and elevation gain in order to backpack to Upper Sand Creek Lake with my daughter.  We did a trip to Zapata Lake earlier this summer and did a similar trip to the Music Pass area for Tijeras Peak.  We left home early Friday morning and drove to the Upper Music Pass Trailhead.  We backpacked up to Music Pass and then dropped down Sand Creek.  At the trail junction with Lower Sand Creek Lake, I dropped my pack to hike up Tijeras Peak while Kennedy continued up the main trail to Upper Sand Creek Lake.

The weather was foggy and overcast all morning, so there weren't really any views to take in.  As Kennedy went up to Upper Sand Creek Lake to find us a campsite, I went to Lower Sand Creek Lake and then continued up to Tijeras Peak, which is a Colorado Bi-Centennial Peak.  After reaching the summit, I returned to the main trail, picked up my gear, and then finished the backpack to Upper Sand Creek Lake where I found Kennedy.

She had a great camp set up.  I was really tired from the day and went to bed early.  The next morning, we had breakfast, played some cribbage, and enjoyed the morning at the upper lake.  We decided to backpack out around noon and made our way back to the trailhead and home.

Photos

James and Kennedy at Music Pass on the backpack in.

Lower Sand Creek Lake

The crux gully to access the upper north slopes of Tijeras Peak.

Views from the summit.

Summit Photo

The weather cleared a bit on the hike down.

Tijeras Peak on the hike out.

Sunrise at Upper Sand Creek Lake.

Tijeras Peak on the hike out.