This rock is about 150 feet high and currently has about five routes on it, none are bolted. Most are about 5.9 and one pitch long. There is a walk-off on the back side. Access can be limited during raptor nesting season.
Getting There
From the new parking lot, take the west trail towards the old Twin Owls parking lot ~0.6 miles. Then, head towards Batman Rock, try to find a trail that cuts off to the right well below the crag. Christmas Crag is at the same elevation as Checkerboard Rock, but on the right side of the trail. It takes about 10-15 minutes from the old parking lot & probably 30-35 minutes from the new parking lot.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Christmas Crag:
By Ron Olsen Administrator From: Boulder, CO Sep 12, 2002
The approach to this rock is a little devious, with some zig-zagging and 3rd class scrambling after you leave the Batman trail. Try to identify the rock from below so you know where you're headed.
The approach is best done by skirting Fallen Down Crag on the east and then traversing west once you are above Fallen Down Crag. When hiking up the Batman Trail, keep a lookout to the right for a small rock duck. Leave the trail here and ascend directly up the slope (north) until a largish rock formation appears directly ahead of you -- this is Fallen Down Crag. Go right of the crag and ascend a gully until you can see Christmas Crag to the west, then turn left (west) to traverse to the crag. Ascending the gully directly between Fallen Down Crag and Christmas Crag can be done but involves devious third classing through huge boulders and bushwhacking -- not recommended.
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