Crestone Peak and Needle, located in the heart of the Sangre De Cristo Range, are two of the most awe inspiring 14,000+ foot mountains (14ers) in Colorado.  Their jagged summits dominate the skyline above the surrounding valleys and reward those who ascend them with unforgettable views.  Climbs in the Crestone Group range from long Class 3-4 scrambles to the epic Peak-To-Needle Traverse to the technical Ellingwood Ledges route. Also known as the Ellingwood Arete, it is one of the 50 classic climbs of North America! The Crestones offer some of the best alpine rock climbing in Colorado.

Climb with our experienced and highly trained guides.  We are here to help you challenge yourself and achieve your goals while providing the technical expertise needed to safely negotiate these climbs.

Some of the routes we guide:

• Crestone Traverse – Peak to Needle
• Crestone Needle – Ellingwood Arete (Ledges) Route
• Crestone Needle – Standard Route (South Face)
• Crestone Peak – Standard Route (South Face)
• Crestone Peak – North Pillar
• Humboldt Peak – Standard Route

2-day (high camp) sample itinerary:

• Day 1:
• Meet the day of climb and review gear/logistics
• Drive 2.6 miles on 4×4 road from lower trailhead (8700′) to upper trailhead (9900′).
• Start approach at upper trailhead (9900′) to high camp (~11,500′ – 12,000′)
• Set up camp prep for next days summit objective(s)
• Day 2:
• Wake early and approach routes under headlamp. Goal is to reach technical sections shortly after dawn
• Climbing objective(s)
• Descend back to camp
• Break camp and hike back to upper trailhead (9900′)
• Drive back to lower trailhead

1-day options are available but this is a very big day.

Climber to Guide Ratio, Pricing:
Prices are per person

2-day climbs (w/ high camp or bivy):
1:1 $1,549
2:1 $995

For groups larger than 2:1, Call 719-368-9524 or contact us.

Climber Expectations:
Previous climbing experience required.  For big days in the Crestones our preference is that we’ve climbed with you in the past.  If you are new to us, we’ll expect a simple climbing resume for review.

Trip Includes:
Climbing with an AMGA Certified Alpine or Rock Guide (minimum). All group climbing and safety equipment. Camping and personal climbing gear can be rented if required.

Not Included:
Transportation to the Upper Trailhead:  Providing a high clearance 4WD or AWD with appropriate tires is the responsibility of the client.  This eliminates time consuming and tedious hiking mileage from the Lower Trailhead (accessible via 2WD).  We may be able to supply 4WD transport from the Lower to Upper Trailhead for an additional fee.

Personal climbing gear, clothing, food and travel/medical insurance.