Riding high off my little bear to Blanca traverse, I try bagging the Crestones traverse before a winter storm with my buddy Gareth AKA Rock Hops. We were good until broken hand pass but once we reached the other side, instead of losing elevation and walking around the needle to the backside approach to crestone peak.... We cliffed out on the needle trying to take a short cut. Sometimes you summit and sometimes you don't but the adventure will always be remembered. The summit is optional and the return is mandatory. Stay safe out there and enjoy this winter episode.