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- Crestone Needle
14,197 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado
Crestone Needle
Crestone Needle is a 14,197 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the South Face: 11 mi, 4,333 ft of gain, Class 4.
Crestone Needle at a glance
- Elevation14,197 ft4,327 m
- RouteSouth FaceClass 4
- Distance11 mi4,333 ft gain
- Time7 – 11 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado
Climbing the South Face
From Crestone, Colorado, take South Colony Road toward the Lakes trailhead. High clearance 4WD is needed for the upper section of the road (saves 4 miles of hiking). The approach via South Colony Lakes is scenic and popular. The route on Crestone Needle involves solid conglomerate rock with challenging route-finding through ledges and gullies. Test all holds before committing your weight. Helmets strongly recommended for protection from rockfall. Often linked with Crestone Peak for ambitious parties. Start very early (2-3am) if attempting both. One of Colorado's most technical standard 14er routes.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (30–40 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Helmet
Rope
Harness
Carabiners
Belay Device
Whistle
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Storms
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Low visibility
- Rockfall
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- High winds
Crestone Needle on Yak
Climbers have shared 12 climbs of Crestone Needle on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Crestone Needle
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Crestone Needle
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Crestone Needle?
Crestone Needle is 14,197 feet (4,327 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.
How does Crestone Needle rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,197 feet, Crestone Needle is the 22nd highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to climb Crestone Needle?
The South Face is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 11 miles with 4,333 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Crestone Needle?
Most people take 7 – 11 hours round trip on the South Face, covering 11 miles with 4,333 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Crestone Needle 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 rope to climb Crestone Needle?
Most parties bring one. The South Face is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Will you get altitude sickness on Crestone Needle?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Crestone Needle reaches 14,197 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 Crestone Needle?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 7 – 11 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Crestone Needle?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Crestone Needle?
The South Face starts at about 9,910 feet, roughly 4,287 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Crestone Needle?
The standard route is the South Face. Other routes include the Combo: Crestones Traverse.
Climb Crestone Needle 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