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Crestones Alpine Ice Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Crestones Alpine Ice

	Alpine Ambition WI3 M4 Mod. Snow
	Grendel's Lair WI3+ M3 Steep Snow
	Ptarmigan Song WI3 M4 Mod. Snow PG13

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Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.

Elevation:	13,757 ft	4,193 m
GPS:	37.96796, -105.58551 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	2,655 total · 40/month
Shared By:	Ben Bruestle on Aug 9, 2020
Admins:	Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC Page Updates (admin only)

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Access Issue: Much of this area is part of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, so expect longer approaches, and no power bolting is allowed. Details

Access Issue: Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area Details

This has longer approaches, and no power drills are allowed.

Description

You will have the place all to yourself during ice season. The area has fun conglomerate rock for pins and microcams. There are still FAs to be had for those that can rekindle the lost art of long, remote approaches.

The first mixed route in this area was the Arnold-Michel Couloir in 1953.

Getting There

Start in Westcliffe, go south on CO Hwy 69 to Colfax Lane. Drive 6 miles south on Colfax to a T. Go west here on South Colony Road. A 4x4 is highly recommended.

Approaches for the east side of the Crestones start in the "new" South Colony Lakes parking lot, which is 3 miles lower than the old parking area. Hike 3 miles up the jeep road to the original trailhead, and then go a couple of miles further up to the lakes.