Peak Condition Update | Crestone Peak

Peak:	Crestone Peak
Route:	Crestones Traverse
Range:	Sangre de Cristo
Posted By:	kevintheclimber
Date of Info:	7/9/2016
Date Posted:	7/11/2016

Details
Fun traverse. A lot of route finding on the traverse, be sure to follow the cairns. Got lost on Needle's south face. DONT go off into the obvious gully directly from summit. Every party that summited Needle got lost. Instead, veer left and follow the cairns just off the summit ridge. The traverse from West to East gullies is a bit confusing and a snow bridge complicate things. Ice axe and traction (crampons or micro) a must for a week. after that probably only need ice axe.

Details

Fun traverse. A lot of route finding on the traverse, be sure to follow the cairns.

Got lost on Needle's south face. DONT go off into the obvious gully directly from summit. Every party that summited Needle got lost. Instead, veer left and follow the cairns just off the summit ridge. The traverse from West to East gullies is a bit confusing and a snow bridge complicate things.

Ice axe and traction (crampons or micro) a must for a week. after that probably only need ice axe.

Comments or Questions

beccaleewilliams	Any photos? 7/12/2016 10:06am Do you have any photos of the snowy sections/snow bridge in the gully crossover? We are looking at a Saturday summit of both by the standard routes. Thank you!
kevintheclimber	yes 7/12/2016 10:14am hey sorry i just uploaded two pictures. 1 is the crossover on needle (on our descent) many parties continue on east and miss the switch to the west. we had to negotiate the snowbridge n etc. second picture- heading up broken hand pass in early morning light. the red gully for crestone peak holds a lot of snow still, you can get away without no traction but life is easier if you have them and just go straight up, ice axe recommended.
beccaleewilliams	Thank you! 7/12/2016 3:43pm This is very helpful! Now I am monitoring this Hayden Pass Fire.

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