Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk:
You (the person requesting this file download) fully understand mountain climbing ("Activity") involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death ("Risks") and you fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages you incur as a result of your participation in this Activity.
You acknowledge that information in the file you have chosen to download may not be accurate and may contain errors. You agree to assume all risks when using this information and agree to release and discharge 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and the author(s) of such information (collectively, the "Released Parties").
You hereby discharge the Released Parties from all damages, actions, claims and liabilities of any nature, specifically including, but not limited to, damages, actions, claims and liabilities arising from or related to the negligence of the Released Parties. You further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and each of the other Released Parties from and against any loss, damage, liability and expense, including costs and attorney fees, incurred by 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. or any of the other Released Parties as a result of you using information provided on the 14ers.com or 14ers Inc. websites.
You have read this agreement, fully understand its terms and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
By clicking "OK" you agree to these terms. If you DO NOT agree, click "Cancel"...
| Crestone Needle via the Ellingwood Arete |
A friend and I got done working on Saturday, July 16 and drove to South Colony Lakes. The road is rough but we made the 5.5 miles in about 1.5 hours in a Toyota Tacoma. We slept at the trailhead and started hiking about 0400. We arrived at the base of the climb at first light and took a more direct start than Roach describes. The first pitch was in the 5.6 range and fairly rotten. After the first belay we unroped and climbed mixed class 3 and 4 terrain until we found a very rotten section around 13,200 feet. After this short belay we simuclimbed a very enjoyable 500 feet or so until we got to the last two pitches. Another group of climbers beat us to the first of the two cracks by 5 minutes so we got to sit and wait. This section was probably the highlight of the climb, It was about 50 meters and fairly easy but you cant beat nice rock at almost 14,000 feet on a sunny day. At the top of this pitch we tracked south and up a ramp to the crux pitch. Again we waited a while for the other group but had a great view. There is one move here that is a bit challenging (mostly because of the exposure) but it was well protected and all of the old pins gave it a historical feel. From there it was a short scramble to the summit. We came down the southwest side via the standard route. The downclimb is steep but there are plenty of positive holds and the rock is largely solid. The trail crew is working on the approach to Broken Hand Pass and there will be a new trail by the end of August.
|
Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.
Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.
