If you want to climb great cracks, then Turkey Rocks is the place to be. Without a doubt, it has one of the finest concentrations of crack climbs in Colorado with a friendly southerly aspect and a quick approach. It is often possible to climb here during the winter, although a four wheel drive vehicle can come in handy to negotiate the snow that is sometimes found on the road and the walk to the base of the crags.
Turkey Rocks is as its name suggest is a collection of rocks. These include the Leftovers, Rightovers, Turkey Rock, The Turkey Perch, and Turkey Tail.
Getting There
From Denver: Head south on US 285 to Pine Junction. Turn left at Pine Junction onto County Road (CR) 126 and follow the signs to Deckers. At the Deckers intersection, turn right onto CR67 and after approximately 8.5 miles turn right at the sign for Westcreek (CR73). Follow this road for about 1 mile and turn right onto CR68 (Stump Road - there's a fire station at this corner.) In about 2 miles you'll pass Sheep's Nose. After about 1 more mile, turn right onto Forest Road 51 (Cedar Mountain Road). This road is generally passable for 2WD as long as you're not driving a low rider! At about the 2 mile point you'll pass the abandoned Big Turkey Campground. You can either park here and walk about 30 minutes (uphill-not recommended) to Turkey Rocks or continue driving about another mile to the next road on the left. Take this road to its end (there are good camping spots along this road). The trail from here is good and it takes about 10 minutes to reach the saddle between Turkey Rock on your right and Turkey Perch on your left. Turkey Tail is to the left (north) of The Perch and the Leftovers are to the right (south) of Turkey Rock.
From Colorado Springs: Go west on US 24 to Woodland Park and then take a right on CO 67 towards Deckers. Approximately 14 miles from the turn left onto CR68 at Westcreek. See Denver description for instructions once at Westcreek.
Do not park in or approach the crags from Turkey Rock Ranch Estates. There is no public parking and the locals do not take this well.
This route is on Turkey Rock.Fun route for the grade, if you like wide sections but with good gear this is your route. If you don't like wide climbs, the excellent fun hand-jams on the 2nd pitch makes the wide sections worth it. On the left side of Turkey Rock, before the gully starts to steepen, locate a wide crack system that goes up to a small roof. P1. The first pitch goes up the wide crack. Chimney, arm-bar, or squeeze youself up the climb t...[more]
So, when was Big Turkey CG abandoned? I spent the night there last night and, though the gate was closed and there were no signs posted, it looked to be in pretty good shape. The privy was unlocked and even stocked with TP. Looks like they just haven't opened it for the season to me.
Unfortunately, my inaugural trip to South Platte didn't net any climbing. 'Twas mighty cold and snowing/y, and I am insufficiently manly. Oh well, still had a dandy time scrambling around and seeing the sights.
Has anyone been down to Turkey Rock in the last week or two? Are there still pilot cars driving on the even hour? What is the camping situation near the crag? Thanks for the help!
I was in the area about a month ago. The road should be fully open by now. When we were there, the road was complete but the ROAD CLOSED signs were up, and we basically just drove around. All the dirt roads were severely eroded but should be passable with moderate ground clearance.
Also, here is a link to a Google Maps route that takes you almost there. Simply turn left where the route stops. If you zoom in with 'Hybrid' view on Google Maps you can see the dirt road to camping and the rocks. The route starts at US 285, so Colospringers might want a different route. We drove from Boulder.
...These directions above are confusing. You actually turn off of the highway where you see a sign for Westcreek (CO67) and then take a right. You will turn right onto Stump Road, or SR68, about a mile off of the highway.
By Tim Stich From: Colorado Springs, Colorado Sep 2, 2008
This has to be some of the best crack climbing in the entire state. Even beginners with no success on cracks can find something that fits their hands and have a good time on.
Some GPS driving directions, courtesy of Dru Whitledge.
By John McNamee Administrator From: Littleton, CO Sep 3, 2008
I've tried to improve the description on how to find the place. Please let me know if it makes more sense and is correct. Dan's google map and description is probably the most accurate and thanks for posting it.
Why don't people go South on CO 85 to CO 67 and south on that and enter thru Westcreek? It seems like the back way and maybe shorter. What am I missing? Is it harder that way?
Turkey Rocks
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