Fluted Peak  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Elevation:  13,554' Page Views:  535. Good page?    Administrators:  Ben Mottinger, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monomaniac, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Furthermore on May 21, 2012 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 64° | 32° 63° | 36° 70° | 39° 72° | 45° 72° | 39°

BETA PHOTO: Fluted Peak's east face.

Description 

Fluted Peak is a fine, Colorado tricentennial 13'er located in the Sangre de Cristos just north of The Crestones. Fluted's dramatic east face holds some respectable snow/mixed climbs which can make for some fine wilderness adventures.

Getting There 

All of the routes on the east face start from the Horn Creek Trailhead. From the intersection of CO 69 and 96 in Westcliffe, drive south on CO Highway 69 for 4.6 miles and make a right turn onto Colfax Ln (the same turn off for the Crestones/South Colony). Take Colfax Ln south for 1.1 miles and make a right turn onto the Horn Creek Road/Road 130. Follow the Horn Creek Road until it ends at the Horn Creek trailhead at ~5.5 miles.

From the Horn Creek Trailhead, take the Horn Creek Trail until you intercept the Rainbow Trail. Head north on the Rainbow Trail until reaching the Dry Lakes Trail. Take the Dry Lakes Trail to Dry Lakes then hike to the base of Fluted's East Face.

Expect 2-4 hours on the approach depending on snow conditions.

The Classics

Featured Route For Fluted Peak

The Skin Flute Couloir 5.5 AI3 M2 Steep Snow  CO : Alpine Rock : Fluted Peak

From the base of Fluted's East Face, climb the prominent couloir in the middle of the face just south of the summit.The climb starts as a moderate snow climb until two short AI2/M1-2 sections are encountered. After climbing past these 2 rock/ice bands, the crux is encountered. Either climb a short 30-40 foot AI3 pitch or a 100 foot mixed chimney (M2/5.3) on the right. The climb continues as a moderate snow climb until nearing the top. If a cornice blocks further progress in the main couloir,...[more]   Browse More Classics in CO