Eagle/Vail

Near Vail Pass

Description 

This area encompasses a geographic location with a variety of vertical type experiences. You probably have heard most about the Vail ice and you can find that under the CO ice/mixed section. In this section, you will find various rock cragging on sandstone, limestone, gneiss, schist, and even some granite. While this generally has little for a destination type of experience, there is still some interesting crags to find vertical pleasure.

Some of the climbing here is protected in information accessibility and locals may cringe to see non-Eagle county folks playing here. Nonetheless, we have to share amiably and symbiose.

Some of the better known areas include Lime Park's limestone, Wolcott's sandstone & Gilman's gneiss, but there more for the exploring types.

Due to the increased elevation, most of the cragging in this area is limited to April to October times.

coming soon

Getting There 

As a well-known ski area, this general location is easy to find. I-70 accesses this area from either east or west (100 mi W of Denver). From the south, you can access this area via CO Hwy 9 (past Copper Mtn) or US 24 (through Minturn). From the north you can access this area via CO Hwy 9 (Silverthorne) or CO Hwy 131 (Wolcott). The ice cragging is mostly visible from I-70. Parking is challenging, since all street parking in Vail is subject to ticketing. Gilman, illegal to access, is reached via US 24 south from Minturn.

Weather 

You can check NOAA.

Featured Route For Eagle/Vail

Smoke on the Water 5.11c  CO : Eagle/Vail : Lime Park (a.k.a. Lime Creek)

Currently the first route on the left of the overhang, this amazing 11c starts from a sketchy belay, going to a large block that may fall off in 50 years. There is a glued hold just above the first bolt. The 3rd bolt starts the move to the right. A jug seems to magically appear whenever the holds run out. You may find yourself pumped out and epic-ing by the time you get to the somewhat of a downclimb crux near the last two bolts. Gain a good side...[more]