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Crestone Needle

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Highlights:

One of Colorados greatest peaks. Amazing views and an exhilarating climb.
Near:Westcliffe, CO
Scenery:
Distance:6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:3100 ft
Hike Time:5 hours
Difficulty:Strenuous
Trail Condition:Poorly maintained trail
HikeType:Out and Back



Summary: From the trailhead follow the old road up the valley. The road will end after a short while but an obvious hikers path will continue to the right. Take that trail up to lower South Colony Lake. Below the Lake you must take the trail that turns left (marked with a sign), and follow it up to Broken Hand Pass. When you reach the summit of Broken Hand Pass look for a trail leading west toward the obvious Crestone Needle. Follow this trail until it enters a couloir. Head up this couloir about halfway, then cross to your left to the next couloir. Follow this one the rest of the way to the summit. The end of this hike is dramatic in it's sudden view.

Wear a helmet when climbing the couloirs. High rock-fall danger there.

Trailhead: From the town of WestCliffe head South on Highway 69 for 4.3 miles. Turn right onto Colfax Lane. Follow Colfax Lane to a T in the road and turn right. You are now on Colony Road. Follow this road to it's end at the trailhead. This is a rough 4X4 road, and gets continually worse as you go. Go as far as you are willing then pull into one of the many pull outs and hike the rest if necessary. (Lat:37.96336 Lon:-105.54646)
Trail Guides for Crestone Needle:
Colorados Fourteeners
by Gerry Roach (Fulcrum Publishing)

Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer,
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses,
Ranger Contact: Saguache Ranger Station 719-655-2553
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joshua Friesema, who has posted  97 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here.
Trail Reviews  Submit your own review

Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Colorado Hiking, Colorado Trails, Colorado Hikes, Custer County Hiking, Custer County Trails, Custer County Hikes

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