Crestone Peak (14,294')

Affectionately called 'The Peak' to differentiate it from its neighbor 'The Needle,' Crestone Peak is a beauty of a mountain. The entire Crestone Group is comprised of the unique Crestone conglomerate. The conglomerate is a sedimentary rock consisting of various sized rock clasts, ranging from sand grains to pebbles to small boulders. Climbing or scrambing over the Crestone conglomerate is an adventure, tiptoeing from one clast to another. In 2007, RMFI completed construction of the summit trail to Crestone Peak from Cottonwood Basin. The trail is characterized by rock steps and walls as it climbs out of the basin and up to the Red Couloir. Once in the couloir, it is a fun, exciting class 3 scramble.

The trail took 2 field seasons to complete. Crews worked out of a basecamp in the beautiful, alpine Cottonwood Basin.