Crestone Peak - 14,299 Feet

Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle are in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains (Sangres), 40 miles northeast of Alamosa and 13 miles southwest of Westcliffe. If you visit Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, you'll be treated with an incredible view of these peaks when you drive into the park. The Peak is the 2nd highest peak in the Sangres, after Blanca Peak.

Climbing the Peak is a solid challenge, requiring Class 3 climbing skills. The standard route is slightly easier than climbing the Needle and takes you on a rugged tour of the south of the peak. Most climbers pack into South Colony Lakes for a high camp before attempting the Peak and/or Needle. This is a special place and camping near the lakes is an experience you will never forget. From your camp, start with Humboldt Peak, which does not require technical skills to reach the summit. Read more