This is an area probably best known for its ice/mixed climbing opportunities in the vicinity of Kennedy's Gulch, Gravity's Rainbow, Abraxas, and Blue Condition. Apparently, the rock can be inviting for the adventurous even when the ice is long gone. The rock certainly has looseness rivaling many an alpine area, so beware.
Apparently, at least 2 rock climbs, Texas Wheelchair Massacre and Lightline, have been done.
Getting There
Engineer Pass area is located along US 550 south of Ouray by 10-20 minutes depending upon traffic and weather. It lies north of Silverton. The road goes east from US 550 over Engineer Pass to Lake City. In the colder months, the road is closed.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Engineer Pass:
Be careful climbing in this area. Dislodged rocks could potentially end up in the road or parking area. I haven't heard of any making it yet, but I've heard of ones that have come close.
A few years ago some climbs were put up in the gorge below the 4x4 road. Go past the first pair of switchbacks on the Engineer Pass road to a campground/pullout to the right. Hike slightly to the right along the edge and find a rap anchor. Rap in and a there are a few quality single pitch lines that climb back out to the rim.
We did some route in between the two listed in the guide book, but we thought for the first few pitches that we were on Texas Wheelchair Massacre. It was 1200 feet of loose rock. It seems that Jason is correct in saying that there is a possibility for these rocks to hit people parked at the base of Engineer Pass. This wall would be great if it had a good cleaning, but the bottom is a popular spot for Jeepers, so be very careful of starting a rockfall. We ran into some huge boulders ready to go at any moment and hundreds of bowling ball sized boulders. Treat this wall as a first ascent and plan a few hours to get back down. I'm not sure what the established routes are like. This just a heads up to the rock quality elsewhere on this wall.
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