Mountaineering> Classic Crestone Needle
A Guided Climb of Colorado’s Premier 14,000' Peak

Guided climbing with instruction offering a fully supported opportunity to reach the summit of one of the state's highest and more difficult peaks.

Some previous climbing experience is recommended. Participants should have familiarity with hiking in steep mountain terrain, We require that you are in good health and physical condition. If you are arriving from a lower altitude, you must spend at least five days above 6.000' (the altitude of Colorado Springs) before attempting this climb. See our five day mountaineering/hiking program; Peak Bagger’s Delight for a great experience building adventure

THE AGENDA:

Day 1 - 9:00 am. Meet at Bear Basin Ranch. We organize tents, ropes, food and equipment for our high mountaineering adventure. We discuss expedition planning and organization of equipment, movement and balance on rock, rope handling and the belay, rappelling and safety. Instruction is supportive, designed to build confidence and alleviate anxiety. Our objective is the climb of one of three spectacular 14,000 ft peaks located in the nearby Sangre de Cristo Range.

Accessed by a steep, nearly impassable track shown as a road on the map, we bounce along via 4x4 vehicle to an alpine camp near timberline at 11,500'. (We may also elect to overnight at the Ranch for an early morning departure). Above us towers Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle, considered by many to be the most difficult of Colorado's high peaks to climb. Nearby is massive Humbolt Peak, also over 14000 ft., high but easier. After setting up camp, we may have time for a scouting hike up into the basin above to plan tomorrow's route. Around the evening fire, we talk about mountain safety, route selection
and equipment. Depending on weather and capabilities, we decide which peak and route to attempt the next morning. You will also have to listen to Gary’s endless climbing stories. Bring a book, maybe you can escape to a tent!

Day 2 - The first rays of the morning sun find us high above the emerald lakes in the glacier basin below. Although the route we have chosen is non-technical, we carry rope that may be needed for support on several steep exposed sections. During early season climbs, we use ice ax and belays on the steep snow fields. If successful, we are soon treated to a breathtaking view from the narrow summit crest. This may well be the most spectacular view in Colorado. Below to the west, is the historic San Luis Valley and the glistening Sand hills of the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Far to the south is the Rio Grande River and the pinion pine hills of Taos. The massive Pikes Peak monolith looms to the northeast. Northwest presents a grand vista of the major mountains of the state. Tried and elated, we return to Bear Basin Ranch by late afternoon You may chose to overnight in our Bunkhouse or return to the city.

Custom climbs: We design custom programs offering instruction, additional days, more difficult or less demanding peaks, etc. We have designed programs for many groups and organizations. If you just need a guide and have experience we offer that as well.

DATES AND RESERVATIONS:: departures by request
Cost: $400 (minimum of two or $800)
One day guided climb only - peak of your choice; by request
Cost: $800 (additional climbers add $200 per person)

To meet our financial requirements, we need two or more participants per trip. If you are traveling alone , it is possible that we can match you with others

ADVENTURE SPECIALISTS... WHO WE ARE:
We are a small company based at an 1890s working ranch in the heart of Colorado. Owners Amy Finger, Gary Ziegler, and a staff of hardworking guide/wranglers run a selection of horse pack trips, wilderness programs, guided climbs, combination trips, research adventures in Colorado’s Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, Peru and Mexico's Copper Canyon.

STAFF:
We have a small select group of very qualified mountain guides headed by Gary Ziegler, co-owner and director of Adventure Specialists. Gary has a long and distinguished climbing history. As a teenager, he first climbed the classic Elingwood route on Crestone needle with pioneer Colorado mountaineer, Robert Ormes. He estimates that he has now made more than 50 ascents of this peak. During student years as a climber at nearby Colorado College, Gary and friends pioneered many first ascents and new routes in the Garden of the Gods, Colorado National Monument, Canyon Lands, and the Grand Canyon. His later accomplishments in the Peruvian Andes include the first ascents of six ice peaks over 18,000', a new route on Yarupaja 21,648' and the ascents of14 other major peaks above 20,000 ft. Along the way, he has earned a Ph.D. in archaeology, earns a part of his income from ranching and cowboying and is a recognized authority on the Inca civilization.

EQUIPMENT LIST

___Sleeping Bag, medium temperature range to 20 degrees F
___Light sleeping pad___Large day pack___Wind and waterproof parka
___Fleece, polartec or other brand pullover or jacket___or heavyweight sweater
___Polypro long underwear. Bottoms may be spandex stretch pants
___Warm ski type gloves and winter cap___windproof, water resistant pants
___Boots, medium to heavy with stiff sole and good socks
___Gaiters to keep out snow, rain etc.
___Quality dark or glacier type glasses___Heavy duty sun block
cream and lip balm
___ flash light or headlamp w/extra AA bateries
___Water bottle___Swiss Army type pocket knife___Personal first aid kit
___Insect repellent ( seldom needed but sometimes in camp)
___Good sense of humor and cheerful acceptance of mountaineering uncertainties
OPTIONAL
___Ice Ax and climbing Helmet
___Personal climbing harness
___Diomox; anti-altitude discomfort drug (see your doc).We have had good results

We furnish tents, meals, transportation, lodging, guides, ropes, helmets, harnesses and related climbing equipment. Some items may be rented in Colorado Springs. We have rental sleeping bags available at our ranch. Overnight before and after the trip in our bunkhouse if requested.

WEATHER: Although it probably will be warm and sunny, come prepared for the worst. Bring everything listed on the equipment list. Weather in the southern Rockys and at high altitude is unpredictable and can change rapidly. Summer temperatures range
from below freezing at night and during storms, into the 80s at mid day. It can rain or snow at any time.

AIR, PRE AND POST LODGING AND RENTAL CAR
Our agent Earl Fox at earlf.taylor@wspan.com or taylortrvl@aol.com, 800-530-8828, is a wizard at arranging the best fares and prices for hotels and rental cars. We recommend flying in on Friday, either stay in Colorado Springs and visit the area, or head up to Westcliffe (11 miles west of Bear Basin Ranch on Highway 96). We recommend the Westcliffe Inn (719-783-9275) for an inexpensive night with a nice room and hot tub in this neat little western town. Sunday night either return for another night at a hotel or return in time for an evening flight home (7pm or later).

DIRECTIONS:
Bear Basin Ranch is approximately 65 miles southwest of Colorado Springs. Head south on Interstate 25 to the Tejon/Canon City Exit in Colorado Springs, turn left from the exit over to Nevada Avenue (Hwy 115) and then right on Nevada heading south to Florence (about 35 miles). In Florence turn left at the light onto Hwy 67 again heading south to Wetmore. At Wetmore turn right at the T-intersection onto Hwy 96 heading west. Watch the miles markers. Our turn is at the 11 mile marker, turn right (north)
onto County Rd 271. Go one quarter mile to Bear Basin Ranch on the left. Check in to the office (first log cabin on the right).

RESERVATIONS: 719-783-2076 Call the Adventure Specialists staff at Bear Basin Ranch for booking information.
Or email us at: info@adventurespecialists.org Visit our web site at;
www.adventurespecialists.org for information on other Adventure Specialist offerings

TRAVEL SUGGESTIONS
If you fly to Colorado Springs and would like to stay there: We recommend that you stay at the Radisson Inn Colorado Springs Airport on 1645 N Newport Rd in Colorado Springs. Call 719/597-7000 or 800/333-3333 for reservations and mention you are with Bear Basin Ranch to receive the special discount rate.