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Crestone Peak

Northwest Couloir
Difficulty Class 3 
Ski/Board: Extreme  
Risk FactorsExposure: High
Rockfall Potential: High  
Route-Finding: Considerable  
Commitment: Considerable  
 
Start11,000 feet
Summit14,299 feet
Total Gain3,400 feet
RT Length12 miles from lower TH, 8 miles from upper
AuthorBillMiddlebrook
Last UpdatedJan 2022
DownloadsgpxGPX Track
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Trailhead

Take Colorado 69 south from Westcliffe. Drive 4.5 miles and turn right on Colfax Lane. Drive 5.5 miles to the end of Colfax. Turn right and drive 1 mile on a dirt road to a junction. Continue straight up the 120 Road for 0.3 mile to the Lower 2WD Trailhead at 8,800'. To reach the Upper 4WD Trailhead, continue 2.7 miles to parking/camp spots before the first river crossing, near 9,950'. In 2009, the South Colony Lakes road was permanently closed here (gate) and this is the current trailhead. The trail starts next to the trailhead kiosk, in the parking area.

Route

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Notes

IMPORTANT: This route enters the Sangre De Cristo Wilderness area. Wilderness areas have special regulations and restrictions for party size, dispersed camping, campfires, etc. Also, dog owners should read the wilderness information carefully because some wilderness areas prohibit dogs to be off-leash and/or limit how close dogs can be to lakes and streams. If you have questions about the wilderness area, please contact a U.S. Forest Service office for the National Forest(s) listed above.
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