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Buick Rocks and Hitler's Sex Life 
Entryway Slabs 
Old Yellar Dome 
River Wall II 
Tigers in Lipstick 

Buttonrock

Submitted By: Jesse Ryan on Nov 27, 2001
Administrators: Ben Mottinger, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monomaniac
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River Wall, Buttonrock. Photo: Bob Horan Collectio...


Description 

Also located west of Lyons, this area is cousin to the South Saint Vrain (SSV). Like the SSV there are both trad and sport routes on a variety of features. Rock quality varies from superb to choss. One of Buttonrock's centerpieces is the classic River Wall. This steep wall has steep cracks alongside of both technical and pumpy sport routes. Well-known climbers from Boulder and around the Front Range developed this area in the last three decades. The best climbing season is whenever it isn't precipitating, possibly year-round as the aspect of the formations is diverse. River Wall in particular has midday sun, but is often chilly due to breeze off the river. The Falcon guide to Lyons area covers both Buttonrock and the SSV.


Getting There 

Drive to Lyons on Hwy 66, this can be reached via US 36 from Boulder. Continue past the junction in Lyons of US 36 and CO Hwy 7 (CO Hwy 7 takes one to the SSV) for about 3.7 miles. Look carefully on the left for a sign for Shelly's Cottages. Turn left here on County Road 80. One half-mile on the left are Entryway Slabs, another tenth of a mile are Buick Rocks and Hitler's Sex Life. About 2.3 miles further one reaches a steel gate and parking. One can hike along the road to reach River Wall, Old Yellar, and other formations.


The Classics

Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Buttonrock:
Green Slab   5.9+     Sport   Buick Rocks and Hitler's Se...
The Buick   5.10a     Trad, 1 pitch, 60 feet   Buick Rocks and Hitler's Se...
Introducing Meteor Dad   5.10d     Sport, 1 pitch, 70 feet   River Wall II
Escape from Alcatraz   5.11b     Sport, TR, 1 pitch, 80 feet   River Wall II
Pocket Hercules   5.11d     Trad, 1 pitch, 80 feet   River Wall II
Redneck Hero   5.12a     Sport, 1 pitch, 70 feet   River Wall II
Neurosurgeon   5.12a R     Trad, 1 pitch, 70 feet   River Wall II
Big Big Monkey Man   5.12b     Trad, Sport, 1 pitch   River Wall II
New Horizon   5.12d     Sport, 1 pitch, 50 feet   River Wall II
Old Yellar   5.13a     Sport, 1 pitch, 80 feet   Old Yellar Dome
Brother From Another Planet   5.13b     Sport, 1 pitch   River Wall II
Le Diamant E'ternal   5.13b/c     Sport, 1 pitch, 75 feet   River Wall II
Browse More Classics in Buttonrock

Featured Route For Buttonrock
Gabe pulling onto the slab.

Introducing Meteor Dad 5.10d  CO : Estes Park Valley : ... : River Wall II
A nice technical climb up the right side of River Wall. Climbs the bolted face just left of the obvious chimney corner (the Box). Carefully reach the 1st bolt and attack the face above. Several catchy sections involve delicate feet to reach the next holds. Edgy, pumpy, delicate and fun....[more]   Browse More Classics in CO


Photos of Buttonrock Slideshow Add Photo
Crack climbing at Buttonrock, photo: Bob Horan Collection.

Crack climbing at Buttonrock, photo: Bob Horan Col...

Patty Johnson bouldering at Buttonrock Reservoir.

Patty Johnson bouldering at Buttonrock Reservoir.


Comments on Buttonrock Add Comment
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By Stephen Allen
May 1, 2002

There is some great bouldering in this area, the Lion's Den is a mere 20 minute hike up the slope opposite the River Wall. Many unclimbed rock still remains in the vicinity with Twin Dinosaurs (only one established problem, "Snott the Mamma" V4, just across a meadow from the Den).

By Anonymous Coward
May 13, 2002

This was the worst area yet! Approaches are long, long, long and boring. Encountered hostile, beer-swilling fishermen at the parking area; our car was vandalized. This was definitely a 'never-again' experience for us. With so much great rock along the Front Range, why would anyone waste their time in Lyons?

By Stephen Allen
Jun 7, 2002

I have never found this to be the case, the Lion's Den area is very isolated (ok the approach includes hiking 1 1/2 miles up a steep draw), but the sheer quality and quantity of problems make for a great day of climbing.

By Anonymous Coward
Feb 25, 2003

I love climbing and fishing at Button Rock. Have had nothing but pleasant experiences here. Hopefully everyone else does also.

By camerones
Nov 22, 2004

If you hike up the road to the fork (porta-potty), there are some good/okay routes and many topropes across the river (east side) - you can't miss the large crag. Cross the river just above the pipe-gate heading toward the dam/res; some new route potential as well. Great place if you want true solitude.

By Matt Richardson
Administrator
From: Fort Collins, CO
May 9, 2009

The area mentioned by camerones looks like it has a lot of potential. But the slabs look as if they would need some fixed hardware.

EDIT: This section is referred to in the new Gillett guide as Below Price (as in below Price Dam).