Crestone Needle Trail

The Crestone Needle Trail from the South Colony Lakes Trailhead is a challenging hike located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Colorado, USA. The trailhead is located near the town of Crestone and the hike leads to the summit of Crestone Needle (14,197 ft). This trail is a 10.9 miles round trip and elevation is about 4,400 feet, that starts at the South Colony Lakes Trailhead and follows a well-defined trail through the forest and into the alpine tundra. The hike then continues up a steep, rocky ridge to the summit of Crestone Needle. The trail requires a good level of physical fitness and proper preparation due to the high elevation and steep inclines. Along the way, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The summit offers panoramic views of the nearby mountain ranges and the valley below. This trail is a popular destination for experienced hikers and mountaineers, and is considered a strenuous day hike or a backpacking trip.For information on how we grade trails, please click here.This trail can be completed in approx 2 days. Caution is advised on trail times as this depends on multiple variables. For more info, click here.