Crestone Needle (South Face)

Overview

Famous Class 3 line up the south face from Broken Hand Pass. Tight gully route requires solid scrambling skill and helmet. Pair with Crestone Peak for the classic traverse. The full route covers 12 miles round trip with about 5,400 feet of climbing, and most hikers finish it in around 13 hours. It sits in the Sangre de Cristo, near Westcliffe in Custer County, topping out at 14,203 feet.

Trail Highlights

How Hard Is It?

This is rated expert. The big 12-mile distance paired with serious 5,400 feet of gain is what sets the effort level. You hike out to the turnaround and return the same way, so you see the route twice and can turn back early without missing the payoff. You are hiking near 14er altitude up here, so expect the thin air to slow you down well before your legs do. If you hike regularly, plan for roughly 13 hours of moving time; add a buffer for photos, snack stops, and the slower pace at altitude.

Best Time to Hike

The best seasons here are summer and fall. Summer is the reliable window once the snow clears, though that also means the busiest trailheads and the daily afternoon thunderstorm risk. In Colorado the weather turns fast in the high country, so start early, aim to be heading down by early afternoon, and watch the sky. Lightning, not distance, is what turns most summer hikes around.

Getting to the Trailhead

The trailhead is in the Sangre de Cristo, closest to Westcliffe (Custer County). No pass or permit is required to park, though popular lots still fill early on summer weekends. The parking coordinates are 37.9487, -105.5239; plug those into your map app rather than the trail name, since several Colorado trailheads share names. Mountain weather and road closures can change access, so confirm the access road is open before a long drive.

Dogs & Kids

Dogs are not allowed on this trail, which is common inside national parks and sensitive alpine areas. It is a tough one for young kids given the 12 miles and 5,400 feet of gain. Save it for older, trail-tested kids or go without them.

What to Pack

Pack the Colorado basics: more water than you expect, layers for a 30-degree temperature swing, sun protection for the high-altitude UV, and rain protection for the afternoon. For a big, serious hike like this one, the gear that earns its weight most is sturdy footwear and poles. Here is what we actually recommend for trails like this:

• ›hiking boots with real traction
• ›a packable rain shell
• ›trekking poles for the climb and descent
• ›a water filter for the longer day
• ›microspikes for snow and ice
• ›an insulating layer for the summit

Frequently Asked Questions