Crestone Peak (14,294’) via the Ellingwood Arete. One of the 50 classic climbs of North America.

5.7+ with serious exposure.

August 2005

We do the approach in the dark and are

greeted by a beautiful sunrise.

The Sangre de Christos mountains mean “Blood of Christ” and they were given that moniker

for their beautiful red colors.

Our route is up the horizon line. It looks big.

We climb much of the route unroped because

of the easy climbing and good rock. But a

fall would mean death.

Getting higher. The rock is a bit wet and there are pockets of snow from the

previous night.

Brian looking at an overhang problem.

“We’re supposed to be on 5.6. That ain’t no 5.6!”

The Headwall.

The crux of the climb.

With the Headwall done, we are almost there!

Summit shot. “I’m tired”

This is the way down…we guess.

Even the descent requires climbing shoes

and helmets.

The End.