This ONE Item Makes the Crestone Traverse Easier

Thanks for watching this local guide to climbing the Crestone Traverse in Colorado. I've been up 82 mountains and the Crestone Traverse definitely is a memorable one! This area is the ancestral home of many different tribes. Originally settled by the Ute people (also known as the Blue Sky People), the Sangre de Cristos have a rich Native American presence. In fact, several other tribes including the Apache, Navajo, Tiwa, Tewa, Comanche, Kiowa, Cheyenne, and Arapaho called this place home. The mighty Great Sand Dunes are considered sacred to many tribes. You can catch a real birds-eye view from both Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle. Tread with respect and give a nod to the rich history here. Support my channel - buy me a backcountry coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/megintheforest I don't accept sponsored gear or trips. I don't hawk courses. And I don't gatekeep information. My mission is to tell my story completely for free. This channel is completely funded by me. ✨Key GPS Points If you’re taking the West Gully Crossover variation (which I don’t suggest if you haven’t been UP it), then you will want to note this point. 37.96296, -105.57629 Descending past this point leads to a cliff that hikers are frequently rescued on every year. The Crestone Needle is extremely confusing to descend if you haven’t been up it! STUDY THE ROUTE CAREFULLY AND CARRY A GPS. As always, visit wild spaces responsibly! Always pack out your trash including water bottles, fruit peels, toilet paper, and anything else you bring with you. Leave only footprints. Follow all closures, fire bans, drone regulations (backcountry campers and climbers are required to carry WAG bags), and dog rules - your dog must be leashed, but the Crestone Traverse is no place for pets. Practice Leave No Trace: https://bit.ly/leaveitbetterthanufoundit Hiking Safely in Colorado: https://bit.ly/cohikingtips ✨My favorite outdoor gear: OR Astroman Sun Hoodie: https://alnk.to/fSiBG9O Skratch Labs Hydration Electrolyte powder: https://amzn.to/3FIFQZn REI Flash 22 Hiking Pack: https://rei.pxf.io/JKvVaq REI Cork-Grip Hiking Poles: https://rei.pxf.io/POvVZe Freshette Pee Funnel: https://rei.pxf.io/e15EGO Kula Cloth Pee Rag: https://alnk.to/5Q7pLD5 Garmin inReach Mini: https://rei.pxf.io/JKvV0q Gerber Dime Multi-Tool: https://rei.pxf.io/zx5b3r Duece of Spades Toilet Trowel: https://alnk.to/2Qyx6dv Nitecore NU25 400 Lumen Rechargeable Headlamp: https://alnk.to/bEkq8CG SOL emergency bivvy sack: https://rei.pxf.io/7a9Oq3 More incredible gear I love: https://www.amazon.com/shop/megintheforest NOTE: These are affiliate links. Meaning I get a small kickback from every purchase, no matter the purchase, at no additional cost to you. This is a small way you can show support for my channel and it means a lot, so thank you! ✨Follow me… Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Aforestfox/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megintheforest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megintheforest/ ✨ Additional Resources ✨ The Expert Local Guide to Climbing the Crestone Traverse: https://bit.ly/4b0282V Practice Leave No Trace: https://www.foxintheforest.net/leave-no-trace-basics/ Hiking Safely in Colorado: https://www.foxintheforest.net/hiking-colorado-tips/ 14er tips and tricks: https://www.foxintheforest.net/how-to-hike-a-colorado-14er/ #coloradolife #colorado #mountain #mountains #summits #summit #colorado14ers #colorado14er #coloradomountains #coloradoadventure Time stamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:15 - Crestone Traverse worth it? 00:26 - route info 00:47 - route finding tips 00:59 - backpacking 01:14 - Broken Hand Pass 01:31 - Crestone Peak 01:39 - Crestone Traverse description 01:50 - Class 5 crux 02:05 - The headwall 02:29 - Descending the Crestone Needle 02:40 - Bring this ONE item 02:54 - outro