Crestone Needle peak
Crestone Needle rises to 14,197 ft in Rocky-Mountains within the Sangre De Cristo Range range.
With an elevation of 14,197 feet (4,327 meters), it stands as one of the challenging fourteeners within the range. The mountain is characterized by its distinctive rocky spire, which gives it its name. Its summit is accessible through various climbing routes, including the standard route known as the Ellingwood Arete.
The Crestone Needle experiences a significant snowpack range during the winter season, making it a popular destination for winter mountaineering and backcountry skiing. The snowpack can vary greatly depending on weather conditions and snowfall patterns, and it is important for climbers to check avalanche conditions before attempting any ascent.
The mountain's runoff feeds into several creeks and rivers in the surrounding area, including South Colony Creek and Cottonwood Creek. These water sources contribute to the overall ecosystem and provide crucial water supply for local communities.
In terms of history and legends, Crestone Needle's name is believed to have originated from the Spanish word "cresta," meaning "ridge," and the needle-like appearance of the peak. The area surrounding Crestone Needle has long been considered sacred by Native American tribes and is said to possess spiritual significance. It is also associated with various legends and lore, which add to the mountain's mystique and allure.
Sources:
- "Crestone Needle" - SummitPost.org
- "Crestone Needle" - 14ers.com
- "Crestone Needle" - Wilderness.net
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Rocky-Mountains range.
Snowpack near Crestone Needle
Snow water equivalent and snowpack depth at SNOTEL stations near the peak. Best proxy for what's currently sitting on the summit.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | View |
|---|---|---|
| Nohrsc North Costilla | 4 in | → |
| Aspen Springs Amrad | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Loveland Basin | 22 in | → |
| Nohrsc Grizzly Peak | 2 in | → |
| Nohrsc Ute Creek | 3 in | → |
| Nohrsc Palo Snotel | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Tres Ritos | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Trinchera | 1 in | → |
| Fremont Pass | 20 in | → |
| Nohrsc Medano Pass | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Jackwhacker Gulch | 4 in | → |
| Nohrsc Echo Lake | 6 in | → |
Streamflow near Crestone Needle
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| La Jara Creek At Gallegos Ranch | 4 cfs | → |
| North Crestone Creek Near Crestone | 11 cfs | → |
| San Antonio River At Mouth | 53 cfs | → |
| Rio Grande At Alamosa | 19 cfs | → |
| Rio Grande Near Monte Vista | 495 cfs | → |
| Culebra Creek At San Luis | 17 cfs | → |
| Cottonwood Creek Near Crestone | 4 cfs | → |
Plan around incoming weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column -- snow at this elevation typically lags the radar signature by a few hours.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
What's around Crestone Needle
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Crestone Needle.
Ski areas
River runs
- Headwaters To The Mountain Front
- Eastern Boundary Of Park To Western Park Boundary
- Mountain Front To Western Park Boundary
- Headwaters To Confluence With Sand Creek
- Headwaters At Medano Lake To Ends On The Sand Sheet Past The Southern End Of The Dunes
- Headwaters To Confluence With Medano Creek
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