JesseSumrak - Aug 25, 2021 10:11 am Date Climbed: Aug 21, 2021
Loose Rock on Crestolita
Looking at the other logs, it looks like everyone had a pleasant time on Crestolita. I ascended the north-facing gulley, and it was a bit nasty. Making my way up wasn't too difficult, although route-finding was a bit tricky. Coming down was bad. Thank goodness nobody else was in the gulley. I'm not a rock kicker by any means, but gosh, it was nearly impossible to prevent avalanching rocks. Woof. Beautiful views from the top, though!
With Rachael after Broken Hand. Dropped around Cottonwood Lake and traversed talus and grass to a steep grassy slope that lead to a wonderful class 2+ ridge of grass and solid rock. Optional class 3/4 scramble finish on the ridge could also be bypassed on class 2+ terrain. Very pleasant route, highly recommend this over the loose north facing gully that is the normal route. You lose a little more elevation (maybe 300 feet more) but have a more enjoyable climb!
Dominic & I managed to climb Crestolita in an 8 hour day from the west on our 2nd anniversary. Ascended a loose ramp/gully system on the west side.
Eric Holle - Jun 7, 2010 3:04 pm Date Climbed: May 21, 2010
North Couloir
After climbing Crestone Peak, we went for the north couloir on Crestolita. It was such a great snow climb. There was a huge cornice at the top of the main couloir, so we had to exit right.
Route Climbed: North Couloir Date Climbed: August 20, 2004
We backpacked and set up camp in Cottonwood Creek. After eating lunch and letting an early afternoon shower pass by, Erin and I climbed Crestolita. I'm rather proud of this one because we had no beta for this peak whatsoever. I thought we could climb it from its saddle with Broken Hand Peak, but once we saw it in person, we noticed sheer cliffs that would have stopped us in our tracks. Fortunately, we saw the couloir splitting the north face. We went for it, and the route led us to the satisfying summit! A trip report is available here.
JesseSumrak - Aug 25, 2021 10:11 am Date Climbed: Aug 21, 2021
Loose Rock on CrestolitaLooking at the other logs, it looks like everyone had a pleasant time on Crestolita. I ascended the north-facing gulley, and it was a bit nasty. Making my way up wasn't too difficult, although route-finding was a bit tricky. Coming down was bad. Thank goodness nobody else was in the gulley. I'm not a rock kicker by any means, but gosh, it was nearly impossible to prevent avalanching rocks. Woof. Beautiful views from the top, though!
chicagotransplant - Jun 11, 2018 8:01 am Date Climbed: Jun 9, 2018
Southwest RidgeWith Rachael after Broken Hand. Dropped around Cottonwood Lake and traversed talus and grass to a steep grassy slope that lead to a wonderful class 2+ ridge of grass and solid rock. Optional class 3/4 scramble finish on the ridge could also be bypassed on class 2+ terrain. Very pleasant route, highly recommend this over the loose north facing gully that is the normal route. You lose a little more elevation (maybe 300 feet more) but have a more enjoyable climb!
seano - Sep 24, 2016 5:12 pm Date Climbed: Sep 23, 2016
West ridgeEasy, pleasant class 2 grass from the sometimes-faint Cottonwood Creek trail. Trip report.
SarahThompson - Jul 18, 2011 6:28 pm Date Climbed: Jul 11, 2011
On my 2nd anniversary :)Dominic & I managed to climb Crestolita in an 8 hour day from the west on our 2nd anniversary. Ascended a loose ramp/gully system on the west side.
Eric Holle - Jun 7, 2010 3:04 pm Date Climbed: May 21, 2010
North CouloirAfter climbing Crestone Peak, we went for the north couloir on Crestolita. It was such a great snow climb. There was a huge cornice at the top of the main couloir, so we had to exit right.
shknbke - Sep 20, 2005 1:04 am
Route Climbed: North Couloir Date Climbed: Sept 17, 2005A nice, obscure peak with staggering views of the Crestones. Add Crestolita to the agenda if good weather is in the forecast.
RyanS - Aug 26, 2004 8:00 pm
Route Climbed: North Couloir Date Climbed: August 20, 2004We backpacked and set up camp in Cottonwood Creek. After eating lunch and letting an early afternoon shower pass by, Erin and I climbed Crestolita. I'm rather proud of this one because we had no beta for this peak whatsoever. I thought we could climb it from its saddle with Broken Hand Peak, but once we saw it in person, we noticed sheer cliffs that would have stopped us in our tracks. Fortunately, we saw the couloir splitting the north face. We went for it, and the route led us to the satisfying summit! A trip report is available here.