Crestone Peak is a famous fourteener (peak over 14,000 feet) located in the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rocky Mountains in south-central Colorado. At 14,294 feet, it is the seventh highest peak in the Rocky Mountains. Crestone Peak is known for its challenging climbing routes and breathtaking scenery.
Geography
Let’s start with some geographical riddles about Crestone Peak:
Riddle 1
I tower high in the southern Rockies, a rocky giant I be, Part of a toothed ridge of summits, called the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. What am I?
Answer:
Crestone Peak
Riddle 2
I am Crestone Peak’s lower neighbor, just 40 feet shy in height, We’re quite the dramatic duo, a truly inspiring sight. What mountain am I?
Answer:
Kit Carson Mountain (Kit Carson Mountain is 14,165 feet tall)
Riddle 3
We are Crestone Peak’s closest neighbors, red in color we may be,
Our group goes by “Crestones”, we sure are a sight to see. What are we?
Answer:
The Crestone Needles
Climbing Crestone Peak
Ready to climb this Colorado giant? See if you can figure out these climbing riddles:
Riddle 4
To climb Crestone Peak take me on, for I’m the standard northwest route, I may be Class 3 but caution is key, one wrong step – you’ll slide down my chute! What route am I?
Answer:
The Red Gulch route
Riddle 5
I’m the classic way up from the east, considered one of the toughest routes here, Crazy exposure and loose rock I’ve got plenty, do be prepared to face your fear! What route am I?
Answer:
The South Face route
Riddle 6
For climbing me you’ll need some gear, like a helmet, harness and rope; Rock protection devices are a must, place them well so you can cope. What am I?
Answer:
Crestone Peak (you’ll need standard climbing gear to ascend safely)
Crestone Peak’s Unique Features
Let’s learn about what makes this peak so special:
Riddle 7
Upon my summit sits a small building, quite useful to mountaineers; It provides shelter from lightning and storm, refuge from hypothermic fears. What am I?
Answer:
Crestone Peak (there is a stone shelter hut on the summit)
Riddle 8
I’m found on Crestone Peak’s sheer east face, a wondrous geological surprise; Formed by nature’s elements extreme, as a rock glacier here I comprise. What am I?
Answer:
The rock glacier on Crestone Peak’s east face
Riddle 9
Look north from Crestone Peak’s great height, a splendid sight you’ll spy; Snowy mountains stretch to the horizon, some over 14,000 feet high! What range is in view?
Answer:
The Sawatch Range
Crestone Peak’s Surroundings
The areas around Crestone Peak have their own mysteries, see if you can solve these riddles:
Riddle 10
I’m found southeast of the Crestones, a mountain wild and remote; Named for a dog on early climb, few make my summit by rote. Which peak am I?
Answer:
Humboldt Peak
Riddle 11
West of the Crestones I flow gently, through Colorado’s green San Luis Valley; Farmers use my waters for fields, wildlife I also sustainably. What river am I?
Answer:
The Rio Grande River
Riddle 12
We are a Great Sand Dunes and preserve, found west of the Crestone highs; With creek and Sangres at our back, here wind and water sand supplies. What are we?
Answer:
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Crestone Peak’s History
Do you know the history of how Crestone Peak was explored and named?
Riddle 13
In the 1800s for gold I came, but mountain splendor I found instead; I explored the Sangres with comrades two, us first Euro-Americans said. Who am I?
Answer:
William H. Dougherty (visited the area prospecting for gold in the 1860s)
Riddle 14
We surveyed Colorado’s wild mountains, documenting all peaks unnamed; When we met Crestone its beauty amazed, for our report it was I who it claimed. Who am I?
Answer:
Ferdinand Hayden (leader of the Hayden Survey team that explored and officially named many of Colorado’s mountains in 1874)
Crestone’s Unique Town
Below Crestone Peak is the small town of Crestone – solve these to learn more:
Riddle 15
I’m the funky small town found east below, a mix I be of art and spirituality; Named for my peak neighbor looming above, here those seeking freedom come to me. What town am I?
Answer:
Crestone, Colorado
Riddle 16
We represent religions east and west, calling Crestone our spiritual home; From Buddhism, Hindu to Christianity, interfaith friendship we intone. Who are we?
Answer:
The various spiritual centers and faith traditions found in Crestone, Colorado
Wildlife Around Crestone Peak
Crestone Peak has some amazing wildlife in its surroundings, let’s see some riddles about them:
Riddle 17
Large and regal I roam on high, the monarch of all I survey; From soaring peaks to forests green, unchallenged king here I hold sway. What great bird am I?
Answer:
Golden eagle
Riddle 18
Pikas and marmots alike we feed, the high alpine is our domain; Spotted coats and short stocky legs, on rocky cliffs we active remain. What animals are we?
Answer:
Mountain goats
Riddle 19
A sight this spring that makes one beam, our spotted fawns trailing close behind; After winter’s bitter cold and snow, richer valley grazing we find. What deer are we?
Answer:
Mule deer
Riddle 20
Listen close by alpine lakes, our calls echo loud and clear; Found across Colorado but in decline, state symbol though we still revere. What birds are we?
Answer:
Boreal toads
Trees and Plants Around Crestone Peak
Crestone Peak is home to some unique high-altitude flora, let’s learn riddles about them:
Riddle 21
Twisted and turning I withstand the elements, prevailing where trees cannot grow; My wood against erosion helps shield the slopes, control avalanches I also know. What type of tree am I?
Answer:
Bristlecone pine
Riddle 22
Blue and bell I gently ring, welcoming spring’s warmer weather; As snow retreats sprouting anew, energy to bees and hummingbirds gather. What flowers are we?
Answer:
Colorado bluebells
Riddle 23
Gold like coins I blanket alpine meadows, blow with wind where I attach; Heart-shaped leaves and fibrous roots, summer bloom I bring back. What hardy plant am I?
Answer:
Alpine avens
Geology of Crestone Peak
The geology of Crestone Peak tells a story of the mountain’s ancient past:
Riddle 24
Spewed from volcanic vents of old, as igneous intrusion I was molded; Uplifted over eons long into a mountain top bold. What type of rock am I?
Answer:
Granite
Riddle 25
After millennia weathering strong, shards all angular from mountain borne; Frost and ice crushed me over time, now talus pile at bottom I form. What am I?
Answer:
Scree
Riddle 26
Formed in cracks where water seeps, as temperature drops we solidify; Expanding with irresistible force, rocks and boulders we can pry. What are we?
Answer:
Ice crystals/frost wedging
Crestone’s Diverse Climate
Given its high elevation yet southern location, Crestone Peak has an unusually diverse climate:
Riddle 27
Bitterly cold, wind and snow swirl by the pound; Clear sky now, almost fifty degrees I’ve turned around! What type of extreme weather am I?
Answer:
A winter storm on Crestone Peak
Riddle 28
Blazing summer sun sears the melting snow, stroke warning for those that climb; Yet building clouds my fury foretell, with booming thunder and lighting I chime. What am I?
Answer:
A summer afternoon thunderstorm over the Crestones
Riddle 29
Crisp and clear autumn days I herald, colors ablaze on the mountain scene; Aspen gold, San Luis Valley farms, before winter I enhance in between. What lovely season am I?
Answer:
Fall in the San Luis Valley and mountains
Camping and Hiking Near Crestone
There are abundant adventures to be had camping and hiking around Crestone Peak:
Riddle 30
Triplets we are, alpine lakes clear blue; Formed by a massive glacial slide long ago, here frosty nights and warm days imbue. What alpine lakes are we?
Answer:
The South Colony Lakes
Riddle 31
I’m found up high near timberline roam, a wondrous wetland bright; With grass and sedge surrounded by peaks, wildlife refuge I outright. What mountain basin am I?
Answer:
Cottonwood Lake Basin
Seasons and Months to Summit Crestone Peak
The best time to climb Crestone Peak depends a lot on the seasonal conditions:
Riddle 32
Deep snow and cold make venturing risky, best wait until I recede; For when summer thunderstorms turn fierce, lightning no mountaineer wants to heed. What’s the danger season to avoid climbing Crestone Peak?
Answer:
Early summer (June-July often have heavy snowmelt, storms and lightning)
Riddle 33
Crisp nights now and sunny bluebird days, before bitter winds and snow; Clear dry conditions perfect for the ascent, mountain splendor now put on show! What is the ideal season to climb Crestone Peak?
Answer:
Fall (September-October)
Training for Crestone Peak
Make sure you are well-prepared and trained for the demanding climb of Crestone Peak:
Riddle 34
Climbing smaller peaks helps me improve, good training this provides; Cardio, balance, grit tested safely, experience and confidence derives. What activity prepares you for Crestone Peak?
Answer:
Climbing easier 14ers (14,000 foot peaks) nearby first
Riddle 35
I’ll let you know if acute mountain sickness is near; Headache, nausea, shortness of breath, takes fitness plus adapting while here. What helps assess health at high altitude?
Answer:
A pulse oximeter
Staying Safe on Crestone Peak
When attempting such a high and challenging peak, safety should be your top concern:
Riddle 36
Check me daily, heed all postings: weather and avalanche beware; Lightning avoid, objective hazards note, informed safety is selfcare. What resources help identify Crestone’s risks?
Answer:
Weather and avalanche forecast reports
Riddle 37
Stashing me high and on route is wise, if injury or exhaustion hits; Inside find food, water, insulation, location tells position it. What might you cache when climbing Crestone Peak?
Answer:
A rescue cache (a container with emergency supplies left on the climbing route)
Riddle 38
Essential when climbing, more accidents I avert; Check I’m locked before you climb up, double protect you I assert. What safety item am I?
Answer:
Carabiners (reinforced snap links climbers attach ropes and gear to)
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed these 38 riddles about the amazing Crestone Peak! This iconic Colorado fourteener has incredible geology, diverse wildlife and plants, rich human history, and thrilling adventures for those bold enough to climb it. May the riddles reveal new appreciation for this special peak and inspire you to explore safely!
