Crestone Peak

[highpilgrim]

As so many of us do, I think zephyr_words is over estimating the slope. A 70 degree slope is nearly vertical. I you are standing on a 70 degree slope the wall is only 2 feet in front of your face. I can't think of anything approaching a cliff on Democrat. I can't remember a slope much over 40 or 45 Degrees.

Since there isn't enough information in what zephyr_words has provided for us to tell what his experience level is, you almost have to assume that either of the Crestones, traverse or not, are not the right place for him to be.

There are lots of fun, more accessible places to play where a SAR team won't have to help you learn from your mistakes.

[ruincu]

Called down there and from what I have herd is it is pretty much bare. Checked snow pack for the area as well and the snow water equivalent is .6 inches. That is at the south colony lakes though. If you were planning on going up the South Face, which is what I would recommend for a spring ascent of Crestone peak, The majority is melted because it is southern facing. I would approach from south colony lake trail head.
Hope i could help

[lodgling]

Not sure what you are referring to ruincu, but for anyone is who is considering a climb of Crestone Peak, my post above is a very accurate on the ground reflection of the conditions down there, so perhaps use that as a starting point. "Bare" is not part of that conditions report.

[zephyr_words]

I rock climb, ice climb, and have done technical mountaineering training at Mt. Washington. I just was thinking that these assents would be in more spring like conditions.
This is my first trip out in CO so just live and learn
I did complete democrat,and without trouble, but didnt think it would be smart to do Crestone in similar snow conditions. I just wanted to avoid another day full of postholing. I'm still on my road trip so it'll have to wait until I post a trip report, maybe my photos will give a better idea of what it was like.

I'm skipping crestone for now. Maybe I'll come back in more winter like conditions later this year.

Does anyone have any idea on Uncompahgre?
I'd really like to do 1 more 14'er before I'm out of Colorado. I'll be in lake city and Ouray soon.

[randalmartin]

As far as Uncompaghre, based on this TR here http://www.14ers.com/php14ers/tripmain. ... ahgre+Peak" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and based on the Nellie Creek TH update the same user provided on the TH status page you should be fine by now. That TR and status update was from 5/22.

[Vermont Mike]

Broken Hand Pass, taken today 6/4:

[globreal]

Sweet! Heading up in a few days. Doing this as a snow climb is going to be so much nicer than when melted out.

Thanks for posting that photo!