West Ridge - Verschneidung to base

BETA PHOTO

Description 

This section is the lowest section of The West Ridge. It is extends from the waterline/base of the ridge to arbitrarily Verschneidung. Certainly, this is the least famous of the sections of The West Ridge. Consequently, lines are generally shorter here. Access is quicker as well. Descents off the backside/E face, if you top out, are quicker, too.

This section of the ridge appears to contain the earliest route done on the ridge, Initial Route, 5.8, by none other than the then-climbing-omnivore Layton Kor with Herb Swedlund, in 1963.

While there may be no top-one hundred in Eldorado Canyon SP here, still there are some pleasant lines here. You may note that most of the routes listed here (to the left) for this section are in the 0-1 star range. Still, you may enjoy: the mini-classic Verschneidung, 5.7; the spicy Allosaur, 5.9 s; the short but energizing Morning Thunder, 5.9+; the strenuous Wing Shot, 5.11b; the invigorating Wild Turkey, 5.11c/d s; the once test-piece Office Girls Walk the Plank, 5.12d; among others.

This is a place to savor the less-frequented side of Eldorado.

Getting There 

Approach is dependent upon the depth of the creek, the parking available, and your desires for the day. You can approach this section of the ridge by parking at the Milton Boulder, wade the stream or boulder hop (Aug-ish to May-ish) to the base of the ridge and ascend. Or, you can approach by parking at the E end of the park, cross the bridge, hike on the trail paralleling the creek, and traverse the slippery 3rd class ramp around to the base of the West Ridge. Note, this last traverse is intimidating for small kids and particularly green partners. Then, you hike along the trail at the base of the W face of the West Ridge to your desired route.

Enjoy!

The Classics

Featured Route For West Ridge - Verschneidung to base

Kickin' Chicken 5.12b  CO : Eldorado Canyon SP : ... : West Ridge - Verschneidung ...

This spectacular route has steep, fun climbing on mostly good rock with great position overlooking the creek and the Milton Boulder. I use a severity/spiciness rating based upon hot chilies with three grades: i) Jalapeno is serious enough to require attention and can easily burn you if not careful; ii) Habanero is the famously hot pepper that can easily spoil one's day if not treated with proper respect; and iii) The Peruvian...[more]   Browse More Classics in CO