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- Crestone Peak
14,294 ft · Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado
Crestone Peak
Crestone Peak is a 14,294 ft peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado. The standard route is the South Face: 13 mi, 5,656 ft of gain, Class 3.
Crestone Peak at a glance
- Elevation14,294 ft4,356 m
- RouteSouth FaceClass 3
- Distance13 mi5,656 ft gain
- Time8 – 12 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSangre de Cristo RangeColorado
Climbing the South Face
From Crestone, Colorado, take South Colony Road to the trailhead (4WD helpful for upper road section). The approach via Cottonwood Lake is less crowded than the South Colony Lakes approach to Crestone Needle. The standard south face route is Class 3 with significant exposure and complex terrain requiring careful navigation. Loose rock is present throughout. Start very early to avoid afternoon lightning storms. Snow and ice can make conditions treacherous into July. One of Colorado's more challenging 14ers, requiring scrambling experience and comfort with exposure. Helmets recommended.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (30–40 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
Helmet
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Storms
- Low visibility
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- High winds
- Rockfall
Crestone Peak on Yak
Climbers have shared 8 climbs of Crestone Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Crestone Peak
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Crestone Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Crestone Peak?
Crestone Peak is 14,294 feet (4,356 m) tall. It is in the Sangre de Cristo Range, Colorado.
How does Crestone Peak rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,294 feet, Crestone Peak is the 7th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to climb Crestone Peak?
The South 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: 13 miles with 5,656 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Crestone Peak?
Most people take 8 – 12 hours round trip on the South Face, covering 13 miles with 5,656 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Crestone Peak 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 Crestone Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the South Face, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on Crestone Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Crestone Peak reaches 14,294 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 Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 8 – 12 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Crestone Peak?
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 Peak?
The South Face starts at about 9,910 feet, roughly 4,384 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Crestone Peak?
The standard route is the South Face. Other routes include the Combo: Crestones Traverse.
Climb Crestone Peak 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