Crestone Needle - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Crestone Needle is a popular destination for climbers and hikers alike. The 14,197-foot peak is the tallest mountain in the Crestones, and its imposing summit offers incredible views of the surrounding area. For those looking for a challenge, the standard route up Crestone Needle requires some Class 4 climbing. However, there are also easier routes available that are suitable for less experienced climbers. In addition to its Stella Lake, which is popular for fishing and camping. The area around Crestone Needle is also home to a number of other trails, including the Fourmile Trail, which leads to the nearby town of San Luis. No matter what your level of experience, there is something at Crestone Needle for everyone to enjoy.

Nestled in the San Luis Valley of Colorado is the small town of Crestone. Surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks, Crestone is home to many hiking trails and outdoor activities. One of the most popular attractions is the Crestone Needle, a dramatic,pyramid-shaped peak that towers over the town. The Needle is one of the hardest fourteeners to climb in Colorado, and its summit offers breathtaking views of the valley below. The Needle has a long and fascinating history. It was first climbed in 1869 by a group of miners who were searching for silver and gold. Since then, it has been climbed by many famous mountaineers, including Douglas Price, who made the first solo ascent in 1952. Today, the Crestone Needle is a popular destination for both experienced climbers and casual hikers alike.

The best time to visit the Crestone Needle is in early summer, when the snow has melted and the trails are clear. From June to August, the weather is warm and dry, making for ideal hiking conditions. The colorful wildflowers are also in bloom during this time, adding a splash of color to the rocky landscape.

1. Have a 4x4 vehicle with high clearance - the road to the trailhead is very rough. 
2. Start your hike early - it's a long hike and you don't want to be stuck on the mountain after dark. 
3. . Be prepared for all weather conditions - Crestone Needle is one of the highest peaks in Colorado and weather can change quickly. 
4. Stay on the trail - there are many fragile plants and animals that live in this area, so please respect their habitat by staying on the trail. 
5. However, this trail can be very crowded on weekends during the summer months, so it is advisable to hike during the week or shoulder season if possible. 
6. Another option for avoiding the crowds is to hike one of the longer routes to the summit, such as the Sheephorn Lake or Broken Hand Pass trails. 
7. There are no camping sites at Crestone Needle itself, but there are several campsites along the approach trails, as well as backcountry campsites available with a permit from the San Carlos Ranger District office. 
8. Avoid summit fever. It can be tempting to push yourself to reach the top of the Needle, but it is important to remember that safety should always come first. If you are feeling tired or unsafe, turn around and head back down rather than continuing onward.
    

1. At 14,197 feet, Crestone Needle is the 27th tallest mountain in Colorado.
2. It is located in the Sangre de Cristo Range, just south of the more famous 14er, Kit Carson Peak.
3. There are several routes to the summit, but none are easy – most involve Class 3 or 4 climbing.
4.  The easiest route up Crestone Needle starts from South Colony Lakes – a hike of 6 miles round trip with an elevation gain of approximately 4,700 feet.
5. Crestone Needle is often climbed as part of a longer traverse that includes its neighboring peak, Crestone Peak (14,294 feet).
6. In recent years, Crestone Needle has become increasingly popular with technical rock climbers – it features some of the best alpine rock climbing in Colorado.
7. The Sangre de Cristo mountain range is named for its reddish appearance when viewed from a distance; "sangre" means "blood" in Spanish."
8.  Crestone Needle is part of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, which includes some of the tallest mountains in Colorado and New Mexico.
    

Depending on your fitness level and hiking experience, it may take anywhere from four to eight hours to reach the summit of Crestone Needle. And while the views from the top are surely worth the effort, always remember to take your time and stay safe when hiking in this beautiful but unforgiving landscape.

The best way to reach Crestone Needle is to start from the South Colony Lakes trailhead. From there, follow the trail for about four miles until you reach a fork in the trail. Take the left fork, and continue following the trail for another two miles until you reach the base of the Needle. From there, it's a steep climb to the top, but the views from the summit are some of the most breathtaking in all of Colorado. 

There is no formal entrance fee to explore the Crestone Needle, Saguache County, Colorado. However, those wishing to summit the Needle itself will need to obtain a free permit from the US Forest Service. 

The Needle is open to hikers from sunrise to sunset all year round. However, due to its popularity, the Needle sometimes closes early due to overcrowding. When this happens, signs are posted at the trailhead and at the Needle itself to let hikers know when the Needle will be closing.