North American Classic Climbs
Kit Carson Peak
South Prow
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North American Classic Climbs |
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Kit Carson Peak South Prow |
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Images
Slide Show
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Description |
Climbers* |
Photo* |
Date |
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Kit Carson Peak from the summit of Crestone Peak. The South Prow extends from the summit diagonally to the lower left corner of the photo. |
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GC |
6/19/99 | ||
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Beginning the approach hike. The round trip has been done in a day, but the norm is to camp near the base of the route. Much of the approach is on private property, and the owners have so far been gracious about allowing hikers passage. |
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JH |
7/16/04 | ||
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One of the 6 or 7 stream crossings on the approach. |
WG, . . . |
JH |
7/16/04 | ||
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A fire in years past created this long section of downed logs that must be climbed over. |
WG |
JH |
7/16/04 | ||
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The Prow in profile from the west. |
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JH |
7/16/04 | ||
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You'll have this edge-on view of the Prow as you get close to camp. |
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GC |
7/07/01 | ||
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Entering the meadows area near the top of the approach. There are subtle trails here, but they are not easy to follow. |
LC, MS |
GC |
7/07/01 | ||
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A camp near a huge boulder (not visible here), with the prow above. The first pitch (disregarding two intial 4th-class slabs) begins at the sharp notch with a steep slab above. |
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MS |
7/08/01 | ||
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The crux pitches are on the face right of the sharp notch. |
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JH |
8/17/03 | ||
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Scrambling up the lower ridge toward the rope-up spot. |
ES, WG, et al |
JH |
8/17/03 | ||
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The crux moves are just above the climbers. |
ES, WG |
JH |
8/17/03 | ||
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Just above the crux overhang move, looking for protection on more moderate rock. |
GC |
MS |
7/08/01 | ||
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Leading out on pitch 3. |
GC |
LC |
7/08/01 | ||
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The leader has traversed out onto the east face to find an excellent vertical crack. One can also stay on the crest the whole way. |
GC |
LC |
7/08/01 | ||
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More of the same. |
GC, LC |
MS |
7/08/01 | ||
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Easy but spectacular climbing above the first major gendarme. |
WG |
JH |
7/17/04 | ||
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Fairly high on the route, just before it gets much easier. |
GC |
LC |
7/08/01 | ||
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Atop the final small gendarme, with a view of the upper section of the route above the trail. |
unknown |
GB |
7/04 | ||
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The upper section above the intersection with the trail of the normal route. Options here include: (1) taking the trail (shown at bottom, leads to the right); (2) Climbing the face to the left (lower 5th class, some loose rock), or (3) continuing directly on the Prow (best, 5.5) |
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JH |
7/17/04 | ||
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Leading the last technical pitch directly on the Prow. Guidebooks call this 5.7, but we thought it easier (~5.5) |
GC |
LC |
7/08/01 | ||
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The final easy ridge to the summit. |
unknown |
GB |
7/04 | ||
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Looking down the usual descent gully. The snow can usually be bypassed on the right if desired. |
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JH |
7/17/04 | ||
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A view of the Prow in profile, taken from the descent of the South Gully. |
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MS |
7/08/01 | ||
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The Crestone group from the west. Kit Carson's South Prow is in profile in the sun. Also visible are (left to right) Challenger Pk., Crestone Peak, and Crestone Needle. |
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JH |
6/03 |
*Climbers & Photographers: Mark Schraad, Lynn Clark, Gary Clark, Jason Halladay, Willian Geist, Eric Shores, George Bell Jr.
