Cow Creek Canyon / McGraw Ranch trailhead  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Page Views:  14,106. Good page?    Administrators:  Ben Mottinger, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monomaniac, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Kurt Johnson on Dec 21, 2001 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue 73° | 45° 75° | 43° 75° | 43° 72° | 43° 70° | 45°

MORE INFO >>> Sheep Mountain may have raptor closure issues. Please contact RMNP for further details. This information is a public crowdsourcing effort between the Access Fund, and Mountain Project. You should confirm closures, restrictions, and/or related dates. Keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment

Pulpit Rock, per RMNP folks.

This may be some of ...

Description 

Cow Creek Canyon is the valley directly north of and parallel to Lumpy Ridge which offers a more secluded alternative to other more popular crags in the Estes area. While the trail to Bridalveil Falls (3 1/2 miles up the Valley) sees quite a bit of traffic, hardy anyone comes here to climb, and odds are you'll be the only party on the canyon's main crag - Sheep Mountain Rock. Two other less notable formations offer climbing here: Rabbit Ears Rock and Kellog's Crag, which hold less than a handful of one-pitch routes each. The climbing here is similar to that found on Lumpy but with much less rock and therefore only a few exceptional routes, but it's still a worthy endeavor for those looking for something new in a beautiful and secluded setting.

Getting There 

From Estes Park, drive down Devil's Gulch road past Lumpy Ridge as if you're heading to Glen Haven. After about 4 1/2 miles at a major right-hand curve in the road, turn left onto a dirt road marked "McGraw Ranch Rd." and follow it to the old McGraw Ranch (which incidently sits below a large crag [Pulpit Rock, according to RMNP folks] whose name or climbing history I've never heard anyone discuss) which is now owned and being renovated by the Park Service. Parking is limited to the left side of the road just before the ranch, and on busy summer days can get a bit crowded. Hike west along the dirt road that runs through the ranch (although with the current renovation, there might be signs directing you to a detour) and follow it up the valley as if you're heading towards Bridalveil Falls where it eventually turns into a trail. In the distance you'll be able to see the eastern flank of Sheep Mountain Rock, located on the north side of the canyon about 2 miles up the trail. The other 2 crags are found on the the south side of the canyon at 1.5 and 2.3 miles respectively.

Cell phone reception 

From some checking, it seems you can get a Verizon signal here, but you can't get a AT&T or Cricket signal here.

The Classics

Featured Route For Cow Creek Canyon / McGraw Ranch trailhead

Peachtree Street 5.8+  CO : Estes Park Valley : ... : Pulpit Rock

The crux of this route is getting into the hand crack at the two foot pine.Boulder to some left-facing flakes. It takes good stoppers. Climb to the roof, step right up on the face instead of pulling the roof. Bindly place a hand-size cam, and balance your way left. This move can be made a lot harder. Once again, footwork's the key. Rap from tree or go to top and walk off....[more]   Browse More Classics in CO

Photos of Cow Creek Canyon / McGraw Ranch trailhead Slideshow

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Interesting rock. One drainage further north.