Approach

The South Colony trailhead is at 9,500 ft. near the town of Westcliff most people with two wheel drive stop here however those with 4 wheel drive can drive for 4.3 more miles to 11,000 ft.. Hike up the trail head to just below the lower Colony Lake.

Route Description

From the lower lake you will climb northeast up a steep slope called broken hand pass to 12,900 ft.. Stay to left or near the center to the top of the pass. Hike down to Cottonwood Lake and hike to your right to the next vally. From here study the Red Couloir to the summit. The best way to climb the Red Coulior is to head to the solid rock above you between Crestone Peak and the Crestone Needle. Keep climbing to the right untill you reach solid rock. Hike left untill just before the Red Coulior then climb for two pitches and some ledges untill you see the Red Coulior on your left. Traverse left down climbing to the coulior. Climb straight up the loose red coulior 500 ft. to the saddle then turn left 200 ft. to the summit!

Essential Gear

In early summer you will need an ice axe, helmet and crampons. In late summer you will need a helmet!

Miscellaneous Info

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