Rising sharply from the landscape of the Sangre de Cristo Range, Crestone Peak’s imposing east face commands attention. Among its lineup of massive buttresses, the India route stakes its claim on the left-most tower, offering a compelling blend of alpine exposure, technical cracks, and rugged travel. This six-pitch climb ascends roughly 700 vertical feet on a line marked by a distinctive ramp that trends diagonally right, weaving through fractured slabs, corners, and ledges that challenge both footwork and nerve.

The approach begins from Upper South Colony Lake, a scenic high alpine basin surrounded by sharp peaks and lush, alpine meadows. From here, climbers skirt right of the Ellingwood Arete, navigating loose talus and solid 4th class slabs before reaching the large ramp at about 13,000 feet. The ramp acts as the first major milestone on the route; it’s the natural highway that guides you into the heart of the buttress and provides a sheltered spot to set anchors.

Pitch one involves following the ramp as it crosses the buttress from left to right, moving into a short chimney on the northwest side. The climbing is mostly moderate at 5.4 with easier climbing sections, allowing a comfortable introduction to the exposure and rock quality—though careful movement is required. On pitch two, the terrain tightens into fractured slabs and a short crack with a bulging section that demands a crisp 5.8 move to surmount. This pitch culminates just below a left-facing dihedral marked by an old piton, a good belay point with solid rock.

The third pitch leads up a rubble-strewn, left-facing corner climbed with steady care, topping out at a narrow grassy ledge. This ledge is shared with the mountain itself—it holds firm beneath climbers’ feet but demands attention for secure placements and reliable anchors, which may require some movement along the ledge to find the optimal spot. Continuing onward, pitch four tackles a steeper right-facing dihedral with sharp edges, staying left under the buttress skyline, finishing on another solid ledge. There’s an alternate line, sticking closer to the right edge of the buttress, but it appears more technical and less direct.

Pitch five offers a respite with easier 4th class scrambling up the south side to a small summit reminiscent of the "Petit Grepon" with open views and a clear break before the final pitch. The last pitch crosses a thrillingly exposed knife-edge ridge, requiring careful foot placements and a calm mind to navigate the complicated upper bowl beneath East Crestone Peak. From here, climbers face a choice: ascend rugged gullies and 3rd-4th class terrain to East Crestone’s summit, then continue to Crestone Peak’s main summit via the Red Gully notch; or descend southward to link with the Crestone Peak-Needle traverse for further exploration.

This climb demands a reliable alpine rack, especially cams ranging from small 0.1 sizes to large #3 Camalots for protection through the cracks and corners. Rock quality varies, with solid sections punctuated by chossy areas requiring extra caution and route-finding attentiveness. Weather can be a decisive factor in this high alpine environment; early summer through early fall offers the safest window for stable conditions.

India is a serious undertaking: the combined elevation and technical nature make it a test of both physical readiness and mental focus. Yet, the payoff is rich—panoramic views into the Sangre de Cristo’s wild terrain and the sense of having touched a less trodden path in Colorado’s high country. This route extends an invitation to climbers seeking an engaging alpine trad experience with a moderate grade yet high adventure value.