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 Reporter |
Summary: Follow the directions for my Creston Peak hike. From Crestone Peak descend back into the red couloir several hundred feet, then traverse to the left (east) and look for cairns. The trail initially is difficult to find, but once on it easy to follow. The trail will lead up an down through several gullies. Then begin a steep ascent up the west face of Crestone Needle. Careful route finding is essential. One key is to pass just below what is known as the black gendarme. A large rock protrusion on the ridge. Above this your route is easy to find. The final pitch to Crestone Needle is steep class 4 terrain. Try to stay near the ridge on this section as it is the most solid and easiest rock to climb. After reaching the summit of the needle backtrack my route for Crestone Needle. Roach's fourteeners guide book has a great description of the route that is essential. Wear a helmet on this route. Many find ropes to be essential for this route as well. 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 Peak to Needle Traverse: 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 
Reviewed by Grant on 6/20/2008 This was by far the most exciting hike that I have ever done! I am an avid hiker, but what makes this hike different from others is the fact that not only is there a 1.5 mile scramble to the top, but the road to the camp groung is an adventure. Recommend having a 4x4 high clearance vehicle. No joke! My Tahoe bottumed out 3 times up and 3 times down. What an adventure 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
