Nightmare Needles Rock Climbing

The Nightmare Needles are one of three groups of airy pinnacles that occupy exposed spurs descending from the McClellan--Annapurna divide to Ingalls Creek. The Nightmare Needles are the middle group and is on the spur between Crystal Creek and Fantasia Pond. To the west, beyond Crystal Creek and near Little Annapurna, are the Flagpole Needles. The third group, called the Knitting Needles, are on their own spur well east of Fantasia Pond. These spires are remote and not climbed very much so there is lots of potential for adventure and new routes. The rock is generally excellent and the exposure is pucker-inducing. Names of summits include Fantasia Tower, Cynical Pinnacle, Fire Spire, Cruel Finger, Nocturne Tower.