Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Search and rescue officials urge climbers to adhere to careful and precise route-finding when climbing in the Crestone Group. A prominent central Texas doctor has died after he fell while climbing Crestone Needle in Custer County. It is particularly popular because of its inclusion in the well-known book Fifty Classic Climbs of North America by Steve Roper and Allen Steck.[6]. Custer County Search and Rescue said the 44-year-old man was found dead about 300 feet below the traverse between Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle. First published on September 12, 2021 / 10:15 PM. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. We did the Crestone Traverse.. A friend told CBS4 that Deardorff fell during the descent. Because of the technical nature of the terrain, the recovery was postponed to the following morning. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. "Due to the steep, technical terrain and the difficulty of the recovery, it was determined that the safest course of action was to field teams at first light on Sunday," CCSAR explained. (credit: Gage Rothrock/ Custer County Search And Rescue/FaceBook), Crestone Peak (credit: Custer County Search And Rescue/Facebook). Jeff Deardorff (credit: Custer County Search and Rescue). In order to bag both summits in a single day without the more difficult traverse, climbers must hit one summit, descend to a mountain pass, and then make the trek to the other. The other climber was able to reach him, but she then couldnt ascend or descend safely from that point. Crestone Needle, with the upper South Colony lake in the foreground. Those interested in helping to support this effort may consider purchasing aCORSAR card, which is only $3 per year. Threats of harming another "Custer County Search and Rescue would like to remind the public and recreational climbers that climbing solo can increase the risk of a catastrophic event. A 44-year-old man, who officials said was an experienced climber, fell to his death climbing the Sangre De Cristo Mountains in Custer County Saturday. Only those with proper preparation, gear, and abilities should be on these peaks. Open: 3, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 30" The recovery concluded at 4pm, with all teams back at base. The man appeared to have sustained fatal injuries in the fall. Open: 0, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 36" Open: 4, New (24 hr): 1" | Base: 28" The body of Jeffry Deardorff, 72, of Hartsel, was found Sunday at Open: 4, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 54" Open: 10, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 50" On Saturday, June 19, Saguache County Search and Rescue activated a rescue mission for a mountaineer that had reportedly taken a fall while climbing Pico Aislado, a mountain located southeast of Crestone, Colorado and approximately two miles southeast of the well-known Crestone Needle. Open: 17, New (24 hr): 1" | Base: 42" for top stories from 9NEWS curated daily just for you. With extreme exposure and considerable rockfall potential, the Crestones Traverse has a Class 5 rating (most difficult) according to 14ers.com. Open: 1, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 20" Share with Us. On Friday, September 4, the team lowered Davis 850 feet to a landing zone where a Flight for Life helicopter could safely retrieve his body. Open: 0, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 36" or anything. The climbing pair were off-route when the man fell. Upon reaching him, the surviving climber was unable to safely move up or down from her position. Fuerst fell between Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle in Colorado, but slips to his death in roiling ocean . the Reverse Fitz Traverse, Killer Mountain: Death and Rescue on Nanga Parbat in Winter. Please enter valid email address to continue. Crestone Needle is a high mountain summit of the Crestones in the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The 14,203-foot (4,329 m) fourteener is located 6.9 miles (11.1 km) east-southeast ( bearing 108) of the Town of Crestone in Saguache County, Colorado, United States. It appeared the climber had fallen to his death, according to the post. Open: 7, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 39" Read more about our new commenting system here. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox. CUSTER COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) -- A man who went hiking in the Sangre De Cristo Wilderness last Friday has been found dead. At the time, threatening weather was moving into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the release said. Be Truthful. Open: 13, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 18" Open: 7, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 39" We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. According to friends Deardorff was an experienced climber who had summited the majority of 14ers in Colorado -- and had also climbed mountains in Mexico and Ecuador. Crestone Needle (left) and Crestone Peak (right) as seen from nearby Humboldt Peak. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism There was an error processing your request. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Example video title will go here for this video. Be Truthful. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Read Next . Matt took me on my first climb, Mattix says, chuckling at the memory, We stopped off at REI and I bought the cheapest crampons I could find. Open: 3, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 41" 25% Off Outside+. Don't knowingly lie about anyone The Crestones Traverse climb is notoriously exposed and despite dipping into the technical climbing 'class five' grade, it is often climbed without ropes. CCSAR was again activated, at 10:22 on Friday August 12 th, for a fall with injuries in the west couloir on Crestone Needle at 13,700 feet. The surviving climber used her Garmin inReach to call for help, also able to use her cell phone to communicate with the rescue team. Open: 4, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: N/A" Upon cancellation, you will have access to your membership through the end of your paid year. Use the 'Report' link on Photo Credit: Spencer McKee. Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle are two of the most dangerous fourteeners to climb in the state, made more dangerous by the traversing ridge that links Kieran Nicholson covers breaking news for The Denver Post. Another option for Fire TV is to have the appdelivered directly to your Fire TVthrough Amazon. The peak consists mainly of granite and conglomerate. InReach saves the day once again. accounts, the history behind an article. / CBS Colorado. Spencer McKee is OutThere Colorado's Director of Content and Operations. Crews recovered the mans body Sunday. The county sheriff's office says it took two days to retrieve Davis' body because of the rocky and steep conditions where he fell. Custer County Search and Rescue said the 44-year-old man was found dead about 300 feet below the traverse between Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle. California What happens if Broncos, Sean Payton find common ground in Tuesday interview? Davis and Brown had finished the first roped section and were scrambling the grassy ledges to the beginning of the upper 5th class pitches when Davis slipped, falling over 100 feet to one of the routes lower terraces. WebCrestone Needle is a high mountain summit of the Crestones in the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. that is degrading to another person. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Condolences go out to those impacted by this tragic death. Stay safe out there.". Rescuers Recover Climber From Crestones After Fatal Fall September 12, 2021 / 10:15 PM / CBS Colorado CUSTER COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) -- The body of a 44-year-old An aerial team spotted the mans body around 1 p.m., roughly 300 feet below the traverse between Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle, according to a news release from Custer County Search and Rescue. According to Custer County Search and Rescue, the deceased climber was experienced and well-prepared. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Success! Open: 23, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 85" New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 34" Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Begin hiking toward Broken Hand Pass until you reach the second very large cairn. Linda M. Pryor died Saturday after falling near the top of the 14,197-foot Crestone Needle in an area of treacherous ridges and steep grades. On Wednesday Custer The body of Jeffry Deardorff, 72, of Hartsel, was found Sunday at the base of Crestone Peak. Man's body found on Arvada sidewalk near bus stop, Colorado weather: Over 7 inches of snow falls in Denver as storm continues Wednesday morning, Colorado's major ski resorts could get a foot or more of snow this week, University leaders admit to misstep in Islamophobia controversy as adjunct professor files lawsuit, Winter storm warning issued for metro Denver, northeast plains ahead of significant storm, The Embrace Martin Luther King Jr. Boston memorial causes a stir, Duluth Boy Scout has slept outside for 1,000 days and counting, NYPD captain forced out after collecting about $60K for hours he never worked, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. "The terrain in this area has loose, crumbling rock which increased the difficulty for the search teams.". That being said, it sounds like there wasn't much that could be done in this situation. Open: 34, New (24 hr): 1" | Base: 27" A Denver-area man died in a fall while climbing the Crestone Traverse, and his fellow climber was rescued off of the mountain after the incident. The post said after they reached the man's body a few hours later, he was airlifted to the Saguache County coroner. RELATED: Arizona woman dies after falling from Tellurides Via Ferrata, RELATED: Man dies after fall on Longs Peak. Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. Several teams with the Custer County CUSTER COUNTY -- A hiker from Parker died this week in a fall on a 14er. The man was described as an experienced climber. This is a steep ridge on the northeast side of the peak, leading directly up from the Upper South Colony Lake basin to the summit. They found the man about 300 feet below the traverse between Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle. Members of Custer County Search and Rescue began a search operation Saturday after receiving a report of a climber who was overdue in returning home from climbing Crestone Peak and The Denver Post reports that Dr. Matt Davis fell Wednesday while hiking a technical route up the 14,203-foot summit. The woman climbed down to him, but was then unable to climb anywhere else, so she used her Garmin InReach to send a SOS to search and rescue teams. While not as high as Crestone Peak, and connected to it by a high, jagged ridge, Crestone Needle is regarded as a worthy climb in its own right. May 15, 2022. Tenzing Norgay Biography to Become Netflix Film, Winners of the 2021 GRIT&ROCK First Ascent Grants Announced, Interview: Sean Villanueva ODriscoll on the Solo First Ascent of The Moonwalk, a.k.a. One of the climbers took a fatal fall and the other climber down-climbed to reach him. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. We advise that you research your route, know your limits, and carry enough food, water and gear to spend an extra night out at elevation. Open: 4, New (24 hr): 1" | Base: 28" Sep 29, 2020 0 A lone hiker fell 1,000 to his death while descending Crestone Needle in Saguache County Friday. I n February of 2022, CSAR announced its first-ever blog contest, open to both backcountry search and rescue members and non-members. Sunday, four CCSAR team members boarded the same helicopter provided by the Colorado Division of Fire Protection and Control's Caon City Helitack (DFPC) and were airlifted to a point below the body. Get content and information right now for cant-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox. Get the one subscription to fuel all your adventures. CUSTER COUNTY, Colo. A climber died and another was rescued from the Crestone Traverse in the Sangre You do a couple roped pitches, and then you cross a grass section that I unroped for like Matt did, said Howard. You may cancel your membership at anytime, but no refunds will be issued for payments already made. Open: 6, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 35" There was an error processing your request. We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. We send our deep condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the deceased climber and his partner, Custer County SAR said. racist or sexually-oriented language. At the time, it appeared as if the climber had fallen and sustained fatal injuries. WebCrestone Needle, Colorado July 2001 First climbed by Albert Ellingwood and Eleanor Davis in 1918, Crestone Needle (14,197 ft) is one of the fifty-four Colorado14ers. This is a slightly exposed scramble with a few tricky moves, and is one of the more difficult standard routes among the Colorado fourteeners. Hiking Extreme Distance 18 km Ascent 1.7 km Descent 1.7 km Duration 6-7 hrs Low Point 2.6 km High Point 4.3 km Gradient 29 View on map Download GPX Flyover Share Note: this route warrants a "Moderate" Mountaineering difficulty rating. Aspen, CO Colorado. We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. Man dies after fall from Crestone Traverse, woman rescued. Sunday, it lectured climbers of the inherent dangers of attempting a summit of either the Needle or the Peak. Open: 23, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 39" The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. WebFollow the Crestone Needle south gully route description on this site to the Crestone Needle sign directing hikers toward Broken Hand pass. $4.99/month $3.75/month*. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. CUSTER COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) -- The body of a 44-year-old male climber was taken from the cliffside below Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle on Sunday afternoon. Crestone Needle 6 deaths Popularity: 1,000 to 3,000 people per year Difficulty: Class 3; 12-18 miles depending on trailhead; 8,800 9,000 feet of elevation gain CUSTER COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) -- A man who went hiking in the Sangre De Cristo Wilderness last Friday has been found dead. A helicopter with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, Caon Helitack, out of Caon City, reached the climbers and was able to take them off the mountain. He had apparently fallen to his death while descending midway along the ridgeline on August 3 rd. Image Credit: @2021 Google Maps. 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Maroon to North Maroon traverse didn't make you shake? Matt was a very dear friend. Be Nice. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. The search and rescue organization made a point to mention that this is an example of how things can go wrong even in the best circumstances. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app, Man accused of threatening mass shootings at FBI Denver, Homeland Security, and local art group, Man accused of threatening mass shootings arrested in Evergreen, Colorado man accused of threatening mass shootings arrested, Hundreds of flights canceled, delayed at Denver airport, Latest Forecast | Snow Totals Across Colorado, Arizona woman dies after falling from Tellurides Via Ferrata. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Error! Open: 9, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 38" person will not be tolerated. New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 34" We'd love to hear eyewitness With all that rotten rock Keep it Clean. You have permission to edit this article. Howard served as director of field operations for the recovery of Daviss remains. Late afternoon rain and hail postponed CCSARs mission until the following day. A husband, father, doctor, and CrossFit partner, Davis left a positive impression on all the lives he touched. Friends and family honored Davis and his love of the mountains with a hike to the summit of Quandary Peak, a Colorado 14er, to scatter his ashes. Read the full story from our partner at thedenverchannel.com. This climber was solo at the time of the accident, which can be a factor when it comes to rescue response time. Get content and information right now for cant-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox. Open: 5, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 18" Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, September 12, 2021 / 10:15 PM It is known as one of the most difficult and most dangerous routes on any of Colorado's fourteeners, but is often climbed due to the challenge it poses and due to the way is serves as a 'shortcut' between the summits of the two peaks. When hiking in Colorado's backcountry, it's important to let someone know where you're headed and when you'll be back, regardless of how easy the hike is. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Spencer McKee is OutThere Colorado's Director of Content and Operations. Friends had found his car near the trail head and alerted authorities. We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. Print subscriptions available to U.S. residents only. The class four, now-standard direct route up this peak follows a more exposed, but sturdier line. This image shows Crestone Peak at 14,294' (red icon) and Crestone Needle at 14,197'. At about 1 PM on Saturday, search and rescue crews located the fallen climber roughly 300 feet below the traverse ridge. By Mark Sokol. If you need help or are having issues with your commenting account, please email us at memberservices@denverpost.com. Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle are part of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range and are both more than 14,000 feet in elevation. Crews recovered the mans body Sunday. While the class five traverse between the two is a well-known option, a class three climb exists to each peak, which is the most common means of summiting. Custer County SAR said this timing was critical due to a threat of incoming storms. An aerial team spotted his body about 300 feet below the traverse between the two formations. He was adventurous, caring, smart, and strong.. In response to the accident, search and rescue crews reminded the public of the difficulties that come with route-finding in the Crestone mountain group. In his spare time, Spencer loves to hike, rock climb, and trail run. It will test experienced climbers ability to control oneself. Loose, crumbling rock in the area where the body was found made it more difficult for the search teams. Monsoon moisture has been setting up in the area this summer. or anything. On this route, there's a fine line between life or death and any incident can be fatal. Saguache County Search and Rescue also responded to the incident. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. During this period, two fatalities occurred on this route, likely due to navigational issues. The exposure is simply terrifying and any fall on those final pitches will be your last. Open: 9. It is still extremely dangerous, though the new designation of this path as the standard route is likely to keep less-experienced climbers off the peak. News, travel inspiration, podcasts, & more. Open: 23, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 38" A climber died between Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. Britt Mattix remembers Davis as the first friend he made in Temple, Texas. Ellingwood Arte climbs the Needles northeast face up a series of grassy ledges, then into several 4th and 5th class pitches to the summit. STAY INFORMED:Sign-up for the daily OutThere Colorado newsletter here. Telling stories that matter in a dynamic, evolving state. They climbed to it from there using technical gear and ropes. Emergency responders recommend that climbers have two-way communication GPS devices, cell phones, and extra batteries and charging blocks; as well as leaving a detailed trip itinerary with someone who is not on the climb. 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Open: 4, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 54" Open: 34, New (24 hr): 1" | Base: 27" For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. Share with Us. What happens if Broncos, Sean Payton find common ground in Tuesday interview? Be Proactive. that is degrading to another person. Subscribe to ourdaily 9NEWSLETTERfor top stories from 9NEWS curated daily just for you. It appeared the climber had fallen to his death, according to the Open: 6, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 35" As of June 15, 2022, comments on DenverPost.com are powered by Viafoura, and you may need to log in again to begin commenting. That had to have taken nerves of steel. Sharron Davis, Matt Daviss wife, was at their Temple home overlooking the lake. Open: 1, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 20" Open: 23, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 85" Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle are two of the most dangerous fourteeners to climb in the state, made more dangerous by the traversing ridge that links the two. Note: A larger portion of the route is visible from the other side of these two peaks. Email: newsroom@coloradosun.com He felt exhausted that morning of Aug. 13, 2017. The deceased man has not been identified. On Wednesday Custer County Search and Rescue responded to the fall, which happened at about 13,000 feet, according to a news release. Custer County Search and Rescue responded to the scene where the climbers were, which was around 13,800 feet near a difficult, Class 4 traverse between Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak both 14,000-plus peaks. Navigation and route-finding on both peaks, particularly the Crestone Needle, is a major factor. DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APPiTunes:http://on9news.tv/itunes Google Play:http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n, HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE. He started at the Post in 1986, at the old building on 15th and California streets. WebCrestone Needle ( 14197 ft / 4327 m ) is a graceful yet imposing mountain in Colorado's Sangre de Cristo range. Drop us a note at tips@coloradosun.com. Crestone Peak is Colorados seventh highest mountain, and one of the most challenging 14ers to climb, according to summitpost.org. This climber was well-prepared, carried a Garmin inReach, and had extensive climbing experience. Open: 1, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 31" Open: 9, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 38" An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. This may mean an earlier start and a willingness to turn around if you arent moving fast enough to be off the peaks before weather moves in.. Crestone Peak is Colorados seventh highest mountain, and one of the most challenging 14ers to climb, according to summitpost.org. Search and rescue officials urge climbers to adhere to careful and precise route-finding when climbing in the Crestone Group. Due to the steep, technical terrain and the difficulty of the recovery, the post said, they decided it would be best to send teams in early Sunday. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. His identity has not been released. Wrens recent posts, photos and comments about Davis, are attended by dozens of people who love and praise his memory. They had a GPS system on them with the ability to call for help and had an extensive amount of climbing experience. Signup today for free and be the first to get notified on new updates. Open: 13, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 18" WebClimber Dies in Fall on Crestone Needle, CO - Rock and Ice Magazine News Climber Dies in Fall on Crestone Needle, CO When Dr. Matt Davis managed a few hard-earned days off Keep it Clean. Open: 10, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 23" Nicholson has covered a variety of beats including suburbs, courts, crime and general assignment. / CBS Colorado. Custer County Search and More by The Associated Press, Got a story tip? Cindy Howard, team captain of Custer County Search and Rescue (CCSAR), said that most parties climb Ellingwood Arte in the same style that Davis and Brown chose. Fourteener and twentieth highest mountain in the US state of Colorado (14,203'). Terrain in the area was crumbling and loose, which complicated the process. Several teams with the Custer County Search and Rescue spent three days looking for Jeff Deardorff with an active aerial team. September 12, 2021 9:10 AM . Open: 20, New (24 hr): 1" | Base: 39" Brown descended to the ledge where Davis had fallen and found that he had died on impact. Open: 27, New (24 hr): 1" | Base: 44" Proceed with a high level of caution. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. [2][3][5] The Crestones are a cluster of high summits in the Sangre de Cristo Range, comprising Crestone Peak, Crestone Needle, Kit Carson Peak, Challenger Point, Humboldt Peak, and Columbia Point. Climbers are also urged to follow and check weather conditions and forecasts in the areas theyre climbing. A Denver-area man died in a fall while climbing the Crestone Traverse, and his fellow climber was rescued off of the mountain after the incident. First published on September 28, 2020 / 11:13 AM. The crew was able to reach the climbing party and bring both members out of the field. The contest was judged by Matt Lanning of Chaffee County SAR South, Ben Wilson of Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, and Lisa Sparhawk of CSAR. A 44-year-old man, who officials said was an experienced climber, fell to his death climbing the Sangre De Cristo Mountains in Custer County Saturday. Open: 10, New (24 hr): N/A" | Base: 23" Accidents can always happen and it's important to be prepared should that be the case. Almost all fatalities on the peak occur on either the Class 4 traverse from Crestone Peak or the technical Ellingwood Ledges Route. He's on a mission to summit all 58 of Colorado's fourteeners and has already climbed more than half. *Outside memberships are billed annually. CCSAR said in a Facebook post that around 1 p.m., two of their own team members worked with the Division of Fire Protection and Control's Caon City Helitack crew to search the area from a helicopter. The Crestones are a cluster of high summits in the Sangre de Cristo Range, comprising Crestone Peak, Crestone Needle, Kit Carson Peak, Challenger Point, Humboldt Peak, and Columbia Point. They are usually accessed from common trailheads. What may have caused the accident was not a detail included in the press release.