Wild Turkey climbs up the face and overhanging arête to the right of Wingshot in the alcove area. The route is high quality, challenging climbing with modern quality bolted protection, and spectacular position above the creek. The route gets good sun all winter, though its frequently very windy. Scramble up to the alcove area from near the boulder traverse along the trail and to the base of Blues Power and Wingshot. Follow the break to the right below the blocky magenta band at the start of wing shot for about 40' to find a small, exposed ledge, the turkey perch, overlooking the creek.
From the turkey perch, it is best to reach up and clip the first bolt before begining the climbing proper. Climb onto the steep face moving up and left past a detached undercling flake (careful!) to a left leaning crack from which the second bolt can easily be clipped. Continue up to positive holds at a rock scar then up and right to a large flake in the broken band. Powerful and sustained climbing up the steep bulgy arête past 3 more bolts deposits you at a stance on the vertical face above the arête. Continue straight up the delicate face to a two-bolt ring anchor.
This route was originally established in the "head point" style, placing all initial gear and clipping all bolts on lead. Three bolts were added to the begining of this climb and all of the old existing bolts replaced in September 2006. Unfortunately, the anchors are difficult to reach from the top of the climb so setting up a TR requires a short rappel from the summit to the anchors proper. Rossiter lists this route as Thunder Construction, a long abandoned project.
Wild Turkey was approved for additional and replacement bolts by ACE and the Park system summer of 2006. Three bolts were added to the bottom of this line and the old less-than-inspiring bolts replaced with new ones. As a result this line is now 5.11+, with no 'r' or 's' rating. It is well-protected with 7 lead climbing bolts and a two bolt rappel anchor at the very top of the vertical face. A natural gear anchor can be made at the base in the magenta break where the climb begins. It is recommended to clip the first bolt from this belay-break ramp before you begin the climbing. Climb up onto the steep face past bulgy overhanging rock and 6 bolts to gain a stance on the vertical face above. Then climb ~15 feet straight up the face to the anchors where the angle eases off.
Wishbone (5.11), which shares the same belay was recently established up the steep face to the right of wild turkey, and Kickin' Chicken (5.12b s) climbs through the first 5 bolts of wild turkey and moves left with natural gear to gain the steep left angling crack above.
By Hank Caylor From: Eldorado Springs, CO Nov 22, 2006
More like 12a Wayne & Kevin. I haven't led it since the routes bolts were upgraded and finished, but I've heard things. Good things. While it was great fun, in a funnily protected sort of way, I can't wait to see how it rides with all the new gear in place, The best part of this route however (in my opinion) is that it sets the stage for "Kickin Chicken" 12b. Yessiree! I'll comment on that route on that page. Nice one boys.
By Rob Kepley From: Westminster,CO Aug 28, 2007 rating: 5.12a
Put it away this morning. Awesome climb for sure. I can't imagine leading this route before the lower three bolts were put in! Yikes... The finish is really nice requiring balance and good footwork.
By Guy Humphrey From: Fort Collins CO Aug 28, 2007
West Ridge - Verschneidung to base
RSS Feed
