North American Classic Climbs

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Kit Carson Peak

South Prow

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Description

Climbers*

Photo*

Date

27A14

27A14

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

JH06

JH06

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

JH07

JH07

One of the 6 or 7 stream crossings on the approach.

WG, . . .

JH

7/16/04

JH09

JH09

A fire in years past created this long section of downed logs that must be climbed over.

WG

JH

7/16/04

JH10

JH10

The Prow in profile from the west.

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JH

7/16/04

29Z04

29Z04

You'll have this edge-on view of the Prow as you get close to camp.

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GC

7/07/01

29Z05

29Z05

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

MS06

MS06

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

JH02

JH02

The crux pitches are on the face right of the sharp notch.

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JH

8/17/03

JH05

JH05

Scrambling up the lower ridge toward the rope-up spot.

ES, WG, et al

JH

8/17/03

JH03

JH03

The crux moves are just above the climbers.

ES, WG

JH

8/17/03

MS09

MS09

Just above the crux overhang move, looking for protection on more moderate rock.

GC

MS

7/08/01

29Z11

29Z11

Leading out on pitch 3.

GC

LC

7/08/01

29Z12

29Z12

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

MS14

MS14

More of the same.

GC, LC

MS

7/08/01

JH11

JH11

Easy but spectacular climbing above the first major gendarme.

WG

JH

7/17/04

29Z16

29Z16

Fairly high on the route, just before it gets much easier.

GC

LC

7/08/01

GB02

GB02

Atop the final small gendarme, with a view of the upper section of the route above the trail.

unknown

GB

7/04

JH12

JH12

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

29Z18

29Z18

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

GB01

GB01

The final easy ridge to the summit.

unknown

GB

7/04

JH13

JH13

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

MS22

MS22

A view of the Prow in profile, taken from the descent of the South Gully.

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MS

7/08/01

JH01

JH01

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.