My wife and I backpacked from the West Willow Creek trailhead (near the base of 'The Ladders' on the Rat Creek route) to San Luis Peak. The first mile was a steep and difficult climb, especially since we had packs on. We then joined the Colorado Trail and hiked another 4.25 miles to the saddle/ridge below San Luis Peak and set up basecamp. This 4.25 mile stretch through several bowls was absoluely spectacular. On Day 2, we went up to the top of San Luis Peak. It was my wife's first 14er, so she was jubilant. After taking in the breattaking 360 views, we headed back down (1.5 miles) to basecamp. On Day 3, we hiked the 5.25 miles back to West Willow Creek trailhead.
