Crestone Peak (14,294) via the Ellingwood Arete. One of the 50 classic climbs of North America 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. Were supposed to be on 5.6. That aint no 5.6!

The Headwall. The crux of the climb.

With the Headwall done, we are almost there!

Summit shot. Im tired

This is the way down…we guess.

Even the descent requires climbing shoes and helmets. The End.