Antora Peak - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Antora Peak is a special place where you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature. Located in Saguache County, Colorado, Antora Peak is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and eagles. There are also numerous hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for horseback riding, fishing, and camping. Whether you're looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or an adventurous vacation, Antora Peak has something to offer everyone. So pack your bags and head to Antora Peak for an unforgettable experience.

towering over the San Luis Valley in Saguache County, Colorado, is Antora Peak. This natural wonder has a long and rich history dating back centuries. The first peoples to call the area home were the Ute tribe. They revered the peak as a sacred site and used it as a landmark for hunting and travel. As European settlers began to move into the area, they too came to appreciate the beauty of Antora Peak. In the late 1800s, a group of miners built a cabin at the base of the peak, which soon became a popular destination for hikers and climbers. Today, Antora Peak is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, who come to enjoy its stunning views and unique geology.

Winter is the best time to visit Antora Peak in Saguache County, Colorado. The air is crisp and the skies are clear, providing ideal conditions for winter activities like skiing, sledding, and snowboarding.

1. If you're looking for adventure, Antora Peak in Saguache County, Colorado is the perfect destination. With its towering cliffs and rugged terrain, Antora Peak offers an exhilarating experience for both beginner and experienced climbers alike.
2.  Before you embark on your journey, be sure to check the weather forecast and pack appropriately. The temperature at the summit can be 20 degrees cooler than at the base, so layer accordingly. And, since there is no water available on the peak, be sure to bring plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
3. Antora Peak is accessible via a number of different routes. The most popular trails are likely to be crowded, so if you're looking for a more solitary experience, consider opting for a less-traveled trail. Whichever route you choose, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to reach the summit and back down again safely.
4. Once you've reached the top of Antora Peak, take a moment to enjoy the stunning views. You may even want to sign the summit register before beginning your descent.
5. When descending Antora Peak, take care to avoid loose rocks and other hazards. Once you've safely made it back to the base, relax and enjoy a well-earned victory meal – you've conquered one of Colorado's most challenging peaks!

1. Despite its high elevation, Antora Peak is relatively easy to climb. The standard route to the summit follows a well-defined trail and does not require any technical climbing skills.
2. The summit of Antora Peak offers 360-degree views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
3. Antora Peak is named after MountAntor, a 13,391-foot peak in the neighboring San Juan Mountains. The name "Antor" comes from the Spanish word for "eagle."
4. In 1909, members of the Sierra Club built a stone hut on the summit of Antora Peak. The hut was used as a base camp for climbs in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and was also used as an emergency shelter by hikers and climbers passing through the area.
5. In 1930, Congress designated the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as a national forest, and created the Sangre de Cristo National Forest which includesAntora Peak.
6. Fishing is also a popular activity in the area. There are several lakes and ponds that offer good opportunities for catch and release fishing. A valid Colorado fishing license is required.
    

How long it takes to explore the peak depends on your fitness level and how much time you want to spend taking in the scenery. However, most people can expect to spend at least half an hour at the top before starting the descent back to the trailhead. 

To reach Antora Peak, follow County Road T south from Saguache for about 15 miles. The road will then turn to the west and begin to climb in elevation. After another 5 miles, you will reach a parking area at the base of the peak. From there, follow the trail as it switchbacks up the mountain. 

Although there is no official entrance fee to explore Antora Peak, there is a suggested donation of $5 per person. This donation helps to maintain the trail and to provide safety equipment for hikers. 

The Antora Peak opening hours are from 10 AM to 5 PM EST. The mountain is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.