The marked yellow line shows the descent line we took off Crestone Needle. Our route is all 3rd class except for the rappel and the 5.2 move to get over a large chockstone at the very bottom of the gully as noted. After the rappel, we did not use our rope. I would recommend this route as it is easier to find and gives you some great close up views of the spectacular Black Gendarme.

The 3rd class route descibed in Gerry Roach's Fourteener Guide is probably located as shown, crossing below the Black Gendarme. We did not explore this option, proceed with caution!

Copyright © 2002 by
George I. Bell