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- Crestolita
13,264 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado
Crestolita
Crestolita is a 13,264 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Crestolita North Face: 15 mi, 5,970 ft of gain, Class 3.
Crestolita at a glance
- Elevation13,264 ft4,042 m
- RouteCrestolita North FaceClass 3
- Distance15 mi5,970 ft gain
- Time13 – 15 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado
Climbing the Crestolita North Face
Crestolita sits in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The usual ascent is Crestolita North Face, rated Class 3. Plan about 15.55 miles round-trip with roughly 5,970 ft of gain from about 9,900 ft. Expect high clearance for the drive. Summer monsoon storms build fast, so start early and be off the summit by early afternoon. Watch for loose rock, route-finding on talus, and brief exposed steps where the terrain steepens. Stats and approach details follow climb13ers.com. A helmet is wise on loose Class 3 sections.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (35–55 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
Helmet
What to watch for
- Storms
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Crestolita
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Crestolita
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Crestolita?
Crestolita is 13,264 feet (4,042 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. It is also known as Crestolita.
How does Crestolita rank among the Colorado 13ers?
At 13,264 feet, Crestolita is the 377th highest of the 582 Colorado 13ers. The highest is Grizzly Peak.
How hard is it to climb Crestolita?
The Crestolita North Face is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 15 miles with 5,970 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Crestolita?
Most people take 13 – 15 hours round trip on the Crestolita North Face, covering 15 miles with 5,970 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Crestolita dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a helmet for Crestolita?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Crestolita North Face, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on Crestolita?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Crestolita reaches 13,264 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start climbing Crestolita?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 13 – 15 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Crestolita?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Crestolita with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list