Hoping for a few suggestions

[Vermont Mike]

A couple friends and I are are planning on attempting Crestone Peak on Sunday, but since the weather outlook seems to keep getting worse and worse I wanted to have a good backup peak(s) lined up (fairly new to Class 3 so I don't want to climb that red gully when slick). The weather forecast is looking (relatively) better for the Front Range, so I'm wondering what Front Range peak would be somewhat comparable to Crestone Peak? I realize the rock will be different, just looking for similar difficulty/exposure, also preferably something above or around 13,000' (my friends are looking for altitude training along with some good scrambling).

Thanks!

Mike

[JB99]

Longs up the Loft would be good, Meeker from there is fun also and you can do both or just one. I would guess Kelso Ridge would be another fun day although I haven't done it. The Peak isn't that exposed though so climbing it a little wet might not be too bad. If you are packing in get all the way to Cottonwood Lake and you could pretty quickly get in a summit attempt.

[Jim Davies]

There's the northeast ridge of Father Dyer Peak, 13er just south of Breckenridge. Fun, solid, not too exposed, and you can traverse to Crystal Peak and either Peak 10 or (if you're feeling ambitious) Pacific Peak and make a loop back to the Spruce Creek trailhead via Mohawk Lakes, or traverse from Father Dyer to Mt Helen for more class-3 fun.
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[JayMiller]

1+ on Kelso Ridge, but also you might think about the East Ridge of Bierstadt with a crossing of the Sawtooth to get back. The road is closed at Summit Lake, about 2 miles from the trail head, but that is just a walk up the road and could be shortened by cutting across. Either way, if the weather turns bad, you havn't driven 150 miles.