Carter Lake

Photo: Dave Fiorucci

Description 

A beautiful place to boulder, and a good variety of problems litter this area. All problems are found on the mile long east bank of Carter Lake. Most are slightly higher and away from the bank, with on exeption being Big Kahuna Roof, which one writer described as "Colorado's Best V5." Being close to shore, it actually lies underwater during part of the year.

The rock type feels more gentle to the fingers than Flagstaff, and there's a refreshingly nice variation of moderate lines. Landings are more in the ankle-injuring genre, given the somewhat higher elevation of the problems, but not death-like.

Steve Mammen deserves the credit for developing most of the problems in this area. We welcome more thorough commentary on this area, as we have only rarely visited it; though we do plan on journeying more up there in the future.

Getting There 

It is about a 45 minute drive from Boulder. From Boulder, take CO 119 (Diagonal Highway) north into longmont until it terminates at 287. Go north on CO Hwy 287 approximately 11 miles, where the road takes a blantantly obvious, 90 degree, banked, arcing, right turn, with a gas station on the west side of the road. There are signs at this point for Carter Lake. Instead of entering the turn, go straight ahead, and then take a left on 56 (the road right behind the gas station). Follow for about 3.1 miles, and then take a left. Follow for another 3 miles, and enter the park. You have to pay $6 for a day pass here. Follow the road to a junction with a sign that notes that continuation goes to the south side of the resivoir, and to take a right means to go to the boat launch.

Going straight, the road arcs up and right 200 yards further, and the lake is basically in site. There is a pull off for a dirt parking lot on the right side, but it kind of comes up as a surprise. Park here, and take the Fawn Hollow Trail north, staying on the ridge line or below, towards the lake.

Going right from that junction, you park at the parking available, and walk south to access the boulders around the lake.

Featured Route For Carter Lake

Kahuna Roof V5  CO : Fort Collins : Carter Lake

This is is perhaps the most ultra-classic problem at Carter Lake, and is practically a destination by itself. It's located on the steepest overhanging side of the Kahuna boulder. Start with your hands matched on the large half-moon hold, find a way to stick the sloping shelf a few feet up, and then crank a couple more solid moves to top out. Like much of the rest of Carter, it's on fantastic rock, the landing really couldn't be any better, and...[more]