Crestone Needle Mountain
Technical alpine peak in the Sangre de Cristo Range
Part of Colorado's Sangre de Cristo range near Crestone, Crestone Needle is a technical alpine peak sought by climbers for steep routes and exposed ridgelines requiring ropes and route-finding.
Crestone Needle at a Glance#
How to Get to Crestone Needle#
Typical approaches start from the South Colony Lakes trailhead west of Crestone; the trailhead is reached via dirt forest roads branching off Colorado State Highway 165. Due to technical nature, climbers usually camp near the lakes and make an early start.
Tips for Visiting Crestone Needle#
- This is a technical alpine climb - hire a qualified guide unless the party has experience with exposed rock and mixed climbing.
- Attempt in summer (July-September) when snow-free routes are most reliable; storms can close the window quickly.
- Planned ascents normally use the South Colony Lakes approach; camps near the lake let climbers start very early for the route.
Best Time to Visit Crestone Needle#
July through September offers the best climbing conditions for Crestone Needle; this is technical terrain requiring serious planning.
Weather & Climate near Crestone Needle#
Crestone Needle's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -18°C to 15°C. Moderate rainfall (838 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -18° - -4° | -20° | 53 mm | - | - | 7.3 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -18° - -3° | -19° | 61 mm | - | - | 6.8 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -16° - -2° | -18° | 94 mm | - | - | 6.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -13° - 0° | -14° | 69 mm | - | - | 6.5 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -8° - 5° | -7° | 59 mm | - | - | 6.1 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | -2° - 11° | 0° | 56 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 1° - 15° | 6° | 95 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 1° - 15° | 5° | 100 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | -2° - 11° | 1° | 70 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -6° - 6° | -6° | 60 mm | - | - | 6.3 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -13° - 0° | -14° | 58 mm | - | - | 6.5 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -17° - -3° | -19° | 63 mm | - | - | 7.5 m/s | - | - |
