Castaway Crag

BETA PHOTO: 'North exposure'.

Description 

An interesting mix of single pitch trad and sport routes on a relatively small, steep outcropping. The rock is gneiss (typical of this area), so be prepared to confront lichenous, sometimes insubstantial rock in places. Most of the routes are on the colorful north face, receive little sun and offer an escape from a hot day. Two recently installed sets of top anchors allow quick raps from all routes. "What's My Line" (10b), a challenging trad lead up a series of thin interconnected cracks, will keep you in suspense. "Atmospheric Testing" (10+ sport) will definitely expose you to the rarified air.

Getting There 

Take CO Highway 7 south from Estes Park for 6 miles, turn off at Lily Lake Visitor Center. Park at the Twin Sister's Trailhead (the 'north' approach) and take the trail for 3 switchbacks (important!). Find a faint trail going uphill and follow it, or its general direction until you find the expansive talus slopes underlying The Crags. Mountain goat your way up the talus to the first huge face, The Lower Great Face, and find Castaway Crag at its lower left end (facing the rock). Be forewarned, this is at least a 45 minute uphill thrutch and will cost at least a liter of sweat.

The Classics