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Parachute Rock

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Parachute Rock

Submitted By: Joe Keyser on Sep 10, 2002
Administrators: Ben Mottinger, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monomaniac
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BETA PHOTO: Parachute Rock, from the base.


Description 

Parachute Rock is an out of the way crag in the South Platte/South Rampart Range area. The climbing includes one, and two pitch moderate cracks, and a couple of slabs. There are several nice cracks in the 5.8-10c range, and even a gaping offwidth. This crag has some great views of Pikes Peak, and the south! Hubble's guide calls it one of the 'hidden gems' of the Platte. I would [recommend] the topo in his guidebook, it is right on. Most everything seemed to be an easy walk off, including the summit routes. It may be a little out of the way for the value, but, it makes a nice day in a nice setting. The approach is short which makes up for the drive.


Getting There 

Finding this place isn't too bad if you have the right directions! We drove down Sante Fe to Sedalia, and took a right on CO Highway 67, go about 10 miles until you get to the Rampart Range Road turn-off where you go left at the obvious dirt road. From here, you have 21 miles of winding, washboard, dirt road. Go about 8-9 miles down Rampart Range Road, until you see the signs for Devil's Head. Here, take a right where the sign points you to Woodland Park. Follow this dirt road for 12 miles until you see a left turn on FR 327. Take FR 327 for about 0.6 miles until you see the pinnacle on your left, and park in an obvious pullout in a small draw. From here, the approach is only about 5-10 minutes and is obvious, heading straight up to the base of the climbs. Rack up.


The Classics

Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Parachute Rock:
Pete and Benz   5.7     Trad, 2 pitches, 190 feet   
Miss Bliss   5.8     Trad, Sport, 1 pitch, 100 feet   
Illegal Smile   5.8+     Trad, 1 pitch, 80 feet   
The Caped One   5.9     Trad, 1 pitch, 90 feet   
5.9 Route   5.9     Trad, 1 pitch, 50 feet   
The Grunt   5.10a     Trad, 1 pitch   
No Chute aka Rip Cord   5.10a     Trad, 1 pitch, 50 feet   
True Religon   5.10c     Trad, 2 pitches   
Slip Slidin' Away   5.10c     Trad, 1 pitch, 90 feet   
Browse More Classics in Parachute Rock

Featured Route For Parachute Rock
Onsite of a super cool crack

Slip Slidin' Away 5.10c  CO : South Platte : ... : Parachute Rock
Parachute is divided into two sections. The left broad slabby area, and up and right the alcove. The righthand end of the slabby area is terminated by a short wall of boulders with an easy access upwards to the alcove. At the righthand end of the slab is a narrow face bordered on the left by a bushy 5.5 crack and on the right by the arete formed by the right edge of the face. This route climbs the more or less continuous crack system on the l...[more]   Browse More Classics in CO


Photos of Parachute Rock Slideshow Add Photo
Alcove Area

BETA PHOTO: Alcove Area

Parachute Rock.

BETA PHOTO: Parachute Rock.


Comments on Parachute Rock Add Comment
Show which comments —
By Joe Keyser
Sep 12, 2002

Forgot to mention that the road gets a little rough in places getting here. So, if you have the choice between say, a honda or a pickup, you know which one to choose...

By Barrett Cooper
Jan 14, 2003

For a small crag this place if full of quality routes. It was spared by the Hayman fire and is always fairly cool in the summer. Quality south platte rock.

By Bill Parmenter
Jul 11, 2003

Rap anchors have been installed at the top of P1 Pete n' Ben's, Alcove 5.9 Route, and Flake Route. This now make it possible to rap (not lower) off of these routes. With some traversing adjacent routes could also access these anchors (Here comes the preaching) DO NOT top rope directly off of these anchors. Attach your own gear to the anchors and top rope off of that. This is a remote area and if the rings get worn through, someone could get hurt or killed before they got replaced. Someone has done us all a service, enjoy but don't abuse it.

By Ryan Jaret
From: Eldorado Springs
Mar 27, 2007

Does anyone know if there is good camping in or around the parachute rock area?

By adam brink
From: Boulder, CO
Mar 27, 2007

Hi Ryan!

When Jess and I went there we actually camped near the parking area for Parachute Rock. I don't know if that is allowed any more but there were a couple primitive sites when we were there. Hope you have fun!

Adam