There are various approaches to this climb that have been used, including the Spanish Creek, Willow Lakes, and South Colony Lakes trailheads.

Crestone Mountain Zen Center (formerly Spanish Creek Trailhead) - recommended for The Prow and possibly South Couloir.

Per [[112060475]]: peak mosquito season is typically mid-June to the end of July, and it can be intense, particularly at the bottom of Spanish Creek. BRING BUG SPRAY!

The Spanish Creek approach crosses private property of the Crestone Mountain Zen Center. Please register for a Wilderness Access Permit at least 24-hours before arrival. Although we can not take responsibility for cars parked in our parking lot, your car is probably safer inside the monastery grounds than parked on the side of the road. We also have primitive campsites if you need a rest up before the approach. Please call for details. All the monks are climber-friendly; we just want to know who is using our land.

Per [[10220]] & [[lordokol]]105794660 :

Going south on US 285 in the San Luis Valley, turn left on CO 17 (near Mineral Hot Springs), and drive 11.8 miles to the entrance of Baca Grande Chalets Grants. This is Camino Baca Grande Road. Turn right, and follow this paved road until it turns into a dirt road (3.6 miles to the trailhead). You'll cross Crestone Creek at 0.8 miles and Willow Creek at 2.2 miles. The next creek you get to is Spanish Creek. Keep an eye out on the left for a sign for the Buddhist Monastery. The pink dome is clearly visible from the parking area. Stop just before going over Spanish Creek.

There is a pullout on the left and on the right several hundred feet after the road into the monastery (~8300'). A small sign reads "Hua Foot Path" going uphill at the left pullout. There is a Buddhist Monastery here, so please pass by quietly and respectfully.

The trail follows the creek, crossing back and forth six times. Your first crossing is a wooden plank. Cross then go back to the right and up the embankment. Pass a steel pipeline and a half-buried structure. Walk along the creek, and keep an eye out for cairns and more foot bridges made from logs. BRING BUG SPRAY!

You'll cross left and right over the creek five more times with the final crossing leaving you on the left side of the creek. At this last crossing, you'll see a feeder creek coming down a slope and a path going back the way you came. Take this path, and it will turn back uphill in the right direction. If you miss it, climb uphill until you find the main trail again.

Anytime you find yourself bushwhacking, zig-zag back and forth uphill until you find the path. Cairns will occur frequently along the trail. It is best to hike it during the light, as the subtle trail is difficult to see in poor light.

You'll start to leave the creek and be up high to the left of it. Eventually you'll come to a brighter area and get your first glimpse of The Prow. This is the start of the blow down area where hundreds of trees were felled in a strong wind event years ago. Rocks sitting on the trees show where to cross the easiest.

When you get almost directly below The Prow's lower buttress, you'll see cairns leading steeply uphill and also continuing to follow Spanish Creek. Camp in this area if you intend to bivy. There are many nice, grassy meadows within the pines here. From treeline, it's a simple line to the base of the Prow.

Willow Creek Trailhead - not recommended for The (South) Prow, only for The North Ridge or Outward Bound Couloir

Per [[10162]]: the approach may be the crux. South of Salida and North of Monte Vista, along US 285, head south on CO 17. Go east on 1 Rd to the town of Crestone. From the town of Crestone, drive south for 3.5 miles on Camino Baca Granda. Park close to the ashram (solar powered, ~9100') which is just north of Willow Creek. The approach follows Willow Creek on a trail that is faint at times. Start on the south side of the creek for the first 1/4 mile. Plan on fording the creek a few times. It would be hard to do this climb in a day from the road due to the approach (5+ miles). Basically, the trail follows the creek for a few miles until the trail leaves the creek and follows an old road (North of the creek). Camp near treeline at approximately 11,000' directly below The Prow. Note: Some of the approach is on private property. Please be a courteous visitor.