Purgatoire Peak, Vermejo Peak, "Alamosito", and PT 12,754'

From Fort Garland travel south on CO 159 to the town of San Luis. From here, turn left (east) on the P6 road and follow it for 4 miles to the town of Chama. Turn left (east) on the L7 road and for approx. 3 1/2 miles and turn right (south) onto the 25.5 road immediately after a bridge. After 1/2 mile turn left onto M5 road, a little less than a mile later you will reach the gate to Ciel Vista Ranch. Typically access to the ranch is 6am, at Ranch HQ money and waivers are collected.

A 2 WD road takes you to the town of San Francisco and the South Gate and afterwards past the locked gate to the 2WD parking area. The upper trailhead is accessed by a 4WD road (not AWD).  Veer right at all of junctions, though reports of all left turns have also been successful.

Purgatoire is visible from the trailhead, the summit is approx. 1 3/4 miles and 2100' of gain. The hike begins on the north side of Alamosito Creek at 11,600 ft, crossing to the south side after approx. 400 ft elevation gain.  Continue westward to the  Purgatoire -"Alamosito" saddle at 12,827'. From the saddle climb the north ridge to gain the Purgatoire summit. "Alamosito" is approx. a mile away from Purgatoire and approx. 640 ft climb from the saddle between the two. Having climbed Alamosito descend northeast wards to the Alamosito -Vermejo saddle at 12,909 ft encountering a few false summits on the way. Vermejo is reached approx. 1 1/2 mile from the summit of Alamosito. From the summit of Vermejo reverse the climb towards Alamosito, at approx. 13,200 ft contour for a while before beginning the descent to the ridge and then to the saddle between  "Alamosito" and PT 12754 ft. The summit of 12754 ft is about 0.4 miles from the saddle. This climb to the summit has a rugged  section of ridge offering a small optional knife edge. Reverse your direction to return to the Alamosito - PT 12754 ft saddle, from there descend to the southwest to return to the trailhead.

• Suitable Activities: Hiking
• Seasons: June, July, August
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Length: 8.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 4,500 ft
• High Point: 13,723 ft

• Land Manager: Private
• Parking Permit Required: Other
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12