Iron Buttress Rock Climbing

Scout’s honor, the approach really isn’t as bad as it looks, with only an 8-minute, bushwhack-free hike, once you are across the river. Of course, crossing the river is not trivial. The best place to cross seems to be a few feet upstream of a freshly (still green) fallen pine tree that leans horizontally across the river, where a cheap pair of thigh-high waders will keep you dry in low water. Water levels are typically lowest from late September through late March (though conditions vary, check here for current Clear Creek flow rates, and see a summary of historic annual flow rates below:

See the approach topo for details. Park at the large pullout on the south side of the canyon just below the Sex Cave (this is a bit upstream from the crag). Once across the river, head back UPSTREAM to the first talus field. Climb this talus field to its top, then follow a cairned path up and right, under short cliffs, for 30-40 feet. Switchback left to the ledge system atop the first cliffs (and below another set of cliffs). Make an exposed step across a gully to gain another talus field. Traverse the bottom of the talus field, then head up along its left side for ~50’, exiting left at cairns. Switchback straight up the next narrow, wooded gully, heading east, passing several cairns. The gully broadens and ends at a ridge. Drop down the other side, at a large cairn, traversing the hillside for a few paces before dropping down 20’ to pass just behind a large pine tree. Climb back up along a broad ledge, passing a large boulder on your right, and then continue along the ledge, behind several pine trees, to another short talus field. Cross the talus field to reach the south end of the crag.