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Elevation: 5,960 ft
GPS: 40.32032, -105.2139
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 269,484 total · 954/month
Shared By: Michael Komarnitsky on Dec 31, 2000 · Updates
Admins: James Schroeder, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC

Description Suggest change

A beautiful place to boulder, and a good variety of problems litter this area. All problems are found on the mile long east bank of Carter Lake. Most are slightly higher and away from the bank, with one exception being Big Kahuna Roof, which one writer described as "Colorado's Best V5." Being close to shore, it actually lies underwater during part of the year.

The rock type feels more gentle to the fingers than Flagstaff, and there's a refreshingly nice variation of moderate lines. Landings are more in the ankle-injuring genre, given the somewhat higher elevation of the problems, but not death-like.

Steve Mammen deserves the credit for developing most of the problems in this area. We welcome more thorough commentary on this area, as we have only rarely visited it; though we do plan on journeying more up there in the future.

Getting There Suggest change

It is about a 45 minute drive from Boulder. From Boulder, take CO 119 (Diagonal Highway) north into Longmont until it terminates at 287. Go north on CO Hwy 287 approximately 11 miles, where the road takes a blatantly obvious, 90 degree, banked, arcing, right turn, with a gas station on the west side of the road. There are signs at this point for Carter Lake. Instead of entering the turn, go straight ahead, and then take a left on 56 (the road right behind the gas station). Follow for about 3.1 miles, and then take a left. Follow for another 3 miles, and enter the park. You have to pay for a day pass here. Follow the road to a junction with a sign that notes that continuation goes to the south side of the reservoir, and to take a right means to go to the boat launch.

Going straight, the road arcs up and right 200 yards further, and the lake is basically in sight. There is a pull-off for a dirt parking lot on the right side, but it kind of comes as a surprise. Park here and take the Fawn Hollow Trail north, staying on the ridge line or below, towards the lake.

Going right from that junction, you park and walk south to access the boulders around the lake.

155 Total Climbs

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Location: Carter Lake Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at Carter Lake

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
V1+ 5
 6
Wilford Prow
Boulder
V2 5+
 79
The Seam
Boulder
V3 6A
 25
West Face [Extension Boulder]
Boulder
V4 6B
 59
South Line
Boulder
V4-5 6B+
 62
Skunk Rub
Boulder
V5 6C
 4
Despuntia Dudes
Boulder
V5 6C
 62
Flaky Pull Roof
Boulder
V5 6C
 54
Beached Whale
Boulder
V5+ 6C+
 28
Sloper Chief
Boulder
V6 7A
 92
Kahuna Roof
Boulder
V7 7A+
 14
Doughboy
Boulder
V7-8 7B
 41
Face Wipe
Boulder
V8- 7B
 10
Sargent Woody's
Boulder
V8 7B
 10
Dynoman
Boulder
V8 7B
 16
Face Wipe Low aka Swipe Right
Boulder
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Wilford Prow Spice Roof
 6
V1+ 5 Boulder
The Seam Spice Roof
 79
V2 5+ Boulder
West Face [Extension Boulder] Extension Boulder
 25
V3 6A Boulder
South Line Scenic Rock
 59
V4 6B Boulder
Skunk Rub Skunk Rub Boulder
 62
V4-5 6B+ Boulder
Despuntia Dudes Monster Block
 4
V5 6C Boulder
Flaky Pull Roof Dead Trees Rock
 62
V5 6C Boulder
Beached Whale Kahuna Boulder
 54
V5 6C Boulder
Sloper Chief Little Debbie's Boulder
 28
V5+ 6C+ Boulder
Kahuna Roof Kahuna Boulder
 92
V6 7A Boulder
Doughboy Doughboy Boulder
 14
V7 7A+ Boulder
Face Wipe Big Block
 41
V7-8 7B Boulder
Sargent Woody's Extension Boulder
 10
V8- 7B Boulder
Dynoman Little Debbie's Boulder
 10
V8 7B Boulder
Face Wipe Low aka Swipe Right Big Block
 16
V8 7B Boulder
More Classic Climbs in Carter Lake »

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