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Curecanti Needle Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Curecanti Needle

	Northeast Ledges T 5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	Northwest Rib T 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Upper East Face T 5.10- 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a

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Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.

Elevation:	7,800 ft
GPS:	38.4496, -107.413 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	22,045 total · 112/month
Shared By:	phil broscovak on Feb 27, 2008
Admins:	Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC Page Updates (admin only)

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Access Issue: Seasonal Raptor Closures Details

Seasonal Raptor Closures March 15- July 15

For more information Visit: nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/…

Access Issue: 2016 Seasonal Raptor Closure for Curecanti Needle & surrounding area Details

Brought to our attention from Dougald McDonald and David Goldstein:

nps.gov/cure/planyourvisit/…

The Curecanti Needle and adjacent walls within one-half mile, including the area above the listed wall(s) from the canyon edge extending for 50 ft. away from the canyon but not including developed trails and overlooks. Also closed are the climbing routes along the north side of U.S. Hwy. 50 one-half mile east and west of mile marker 149. The intent of the mile 149 closure is to keep people from climbing in this area; fisherman and others are still welcome to park along the highway to fish and access the river.

Description

Approximately 5 miles down river from the Blue Mesa Dam At the dual confluences of the East Fork of Little Blue Creek on the southern side and Curecanti Creek on the northern side with the Gunnison river stands the stately 700' three sided pyramid of the Curecanti Needle. The Needle is easily visible from the Pioneer Point overlook on the Black Mesa road.

Getting There

Driving west on US Highway 50, go 7+ miles past the turn off to the Blue Mesa dam. The highway will make two big turns one to the left and one to the right after which it will head straight almost due west for 4+ miles. As the road takes a sweeping turn to the left, look for a turn off to the right at 50 E Rd. This is a portion of the original Highway 50. If you head down into Little Blue Creek Canyon, you have gone to far. Once on the turn off road, drive around to the far north side of the hill and park off the road. Do not head into the most obvious gully to your left. Rather, head in a NNE direction towards the Black Canyon. Stay on the highest ridge ground until very close to the rim. You should see a steep descent gully heading down almost due west. This approach will deposit you at the river directly across from the now impressively visible Curecanti Needle. Cross the river (not always easy to do) and hike up to the saddle between the South West Arete of Curecanti Needle and the adjoining ridge.