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Milwaukee Peak
A non-technical but strenuous hike can take you to the summit of Milwaukee Peak, a short distance away from the Sand Creek Lakes.
Plan Around Milwaukee Peak
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Milwaukee Peak Details
Milwaukee Peak is the 241st tallest mountain in Colorado and can be climbed, but features a very exposed ramp that must be traversed in order to get up high. Those with good climbing skills and fitness can get to the top, but be prepared to scramble a bit. You can access Milwaukee Peak from the Sand Creek drainage at Music Pass. Drive south from the town of Westcliffe on SH-69 for 4.6 miles. Turn west on Custer County Road 119, also known as Colfax Lane, and head south for six miles to a T intersection. Turn left onto County Road 120. The road makes a hard right after a bit and is once again CR-119. Drive for five miles, entering the San Isabel National Forest, to get to the Grape Creek Trailhead -- the 2WD parking for Music Pass. With a 4WD vehicle, you can continue an extra 2.5 miles on a rough road. The best time to climb is June to October, though snowpack can impede your climb even in these months. The route is a scramble/hike, but you do not need ropes to reach the top. The standard route up Milwaukee follows a trail leading to the basin at the head of Sand Creek. The trail then ascends a ramp to the right of a large cliff band (this is where the exposure is) before ending up in a willow grove. From here, you'll be in a grassy upper basin, with slopes ascending upward to the Milwaukee-Marble Mountain saddle. Pick your way up over the rocks to get to the summit.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
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Region
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Nearby Parks Around Milwaukee Peak
Compare nearby parks around Milwaukee Peak when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Milwaukee Peak
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Milwaukee Peak while the map context is still fresh.
2.8 mi away
Music Pass
A high alpine valley with incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
3.8 mi away
Music Pass Trail
Visit a picturesque lake in the Great Sand Dunes National Preserve.
3.8 mi away
Lower Sand Creek Lake Trail
A trail to a high alpine lake beneath the summit of Tijeras Peak.
3.8 mi away
Music Pass Trailhead
The trailhead for Music Pass is a 2.5-hour drive from the park visitor center.
3.8 mi away
Upper Sand Creek Lake Trail
A .7 mile hike from Lower Sand Creek Lake.
