Nine Lives Boulder Climbing
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Elevation: | 6,281 ft |
GPS: |
39.35083, -104.76223 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
Page Views: | 6,261 total · 50/month |
Shared By: | Andy Librande on Dec 16, 2013 |
Admins: | Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC |
Access Issue: Historical seasonal raptor closures with 2023 updates
Details
Per Castlewood Canyon: there is a new closure for nesting raptors this year: Five and Dime will be closed March 1st through July 31st. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me, Rachel Chaffee (Park Ranger) at dnr_castlewood.canyon@state.co.us or by phone at 303-688-5242.
Per Garrett Garner-Wells:
the current raptor closures, announced by CPW and reported on Denver7:
The following climbing route closures are currently in place:
- Morning Sun Wall is closed March 1-July 31.
- Porky’s Wall is closed March 1 - July 31.
- Vultures Wall is closed March 1-July 31. (per Rachel, CCSP Ranger, dnr_castlewood.canyon@state.co.use or 303-688-5242)
- Shakespearean Theater is closed March 1-May 31.
- Mind Meld is closed March 1-May 31.
As of 2020:
There is a very new and active nest of owls midway up the cliff at the north end of the Neanderthal Wall between Cro-Mag and Up The Red. There is no active nest around the south end of Neanderthal Wall.
As of June, 2017:
The 3 toprope routes at the far south end of Neanderthal Wall (far north end of Allied Wall) have a nesting pair of Snowy Owls. Please stay off these routes until further notice. The park has been notified and hopefully some signage will be put up. The route Rock Rat is included.
As of March 7, 2012:
Shakespearean Theater - restricted March, April, May.
Mind Meld - restricted March, April, May.
Porky's Wall - restricted March, April, May, June, through July 31.
Vulture Wall - restricted March, April, May.
Morning Sun Wall - restricted March, April, May, June, July.
Per Garrett Garner-Wells:
the current raptor closures, announced by CPW and reported on Denver7:
The following climbing route closures are currently in place:
- Morning Sun Wall is closed March 1-July 31.
- Porky’s Wall is closed March 1 - July 31.
- Vultures Wall is closed March 1-July 31. (per Rachel, CCSP Ranger, dnr_castlewood.canyon@state.co.use or 303-688-5242)
- Shakespearean Theater is closed March 1-May 31.
- Mind Meld is closed March 1-May 31.
As of 2020:
There is a very new and active nest of owls midway up the cliff at the north end of the Neanderthal Wall between Cro-Mag and Up The Red. There is no active nest around the south end of Neanderthal Wall.
As of June, 2017:
The 3 toprope routes at the far south end of Neanderthal Wall (far north end of Allied Wall) have a nesting pair of Snowy Owls. Please stay off these routes until further notice. The park has been notified and hopefully some signage will be put up. The route Rock Rat is included.
As of March 7, 2012:
Shakespearean Theater - restricted March, April, May.
Mind Meld - restricted March, April, May.
Porky's Wall - restricted March, April, May, June, through July 31.
Vulture Wall - restricted March, April, May.
Morning Sun Wall - restricted March, April, May, June, July.
Description
This seclusive boulder is one of Castlewood's largest and holds a number of quality problems.
Located just above the river, it is isolated and covered by thick trees which makes it an ideal place to escape the sun while offering some protection from snow during the winter.
It has perfect flat landings on nearly every landing.
Not too many other boulders are nearby; however, walking to Scary Monsters/Dr. Loves/Local's Only is another 10-15 minutes depending on your trail-finding skills.
Located just above the river, it is isolated and covered by thick trees which makes it an ideal place to escape the sun while offering some protection from snow during the winter.
It has perfect flat landings on nearly every landing.
Not too many other boulders are nearby; however, walking to Scary Monsters/Dr. Loves/Local's Only is another 10-15 minutes depending on your trail-finding skills.
Getting There
Park in the West Trailhead parking lot at the West (North) Entrance (the lot just south of the port-o-potty area) and take the trail that heads towards the river/mud-cliffs. This trail goes through some switch-backs and right after that you come to a fork in the road. Take the path on your right (heading south) for only 15-20 feet, and you will notice a ravine heading towards the river. Follow this ravine down to the river, and be mindful of the path you take as the erosion in this area is high. On the otherside of the river, there is a fallen pine tree that is where you will climb out of the riverbed at onto flat ground. 50 yards past the tree the Nine Lives Boulder sits in all of its glory.
Of course, you can always take the bush-whacking route and start at the falls area river crossing and head north for a while staying near the cliffs.
Of course, you can always take the bush-whacking route and start at the falls area river crossing and head north for a while staying near the cliffs.
Classic Climbing Routes at Nine Lives Boulder
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
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