How to get there:
This is the longest approach to any 14'teener along
Forest Service dirt roads. A good starting point is Lake City. Route description:
This hike is quite straightforward. The trail first runs up
the valley, staying on the right hand side of the creek. The trail
climbs gently, then a bit steeper and gets out in a beautiful,
open area. Thereafter, the trail heads a bit left and climbs to
a broad saddle (out to the left). From this saddle, the trail
contours on the left slope of the mountain (that can be seen from
the valley floor), then follows the connecting (broad) ridge for
a short distance before climbing the San Luis summit. Comments:
I did this hike with my son Pål Jørgen, age 12.
We started at Stewart Creek trailhead at 0900, arrived at the
summit at 1130, (2.5 hours on 10 km with 1100 m vertical)
enjoyed the views for about 15 minutes and
were back at the trailhead at 1330. There are lots of interesting
beaver dams (and beaver huts) along the creek that the trail
follows in the beginning.
