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Elevation: 10,000 ft
GPS: 40.31618, -105.6929
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 38,296 total · 181/month
Shared By: Leo Paik on Oct 24, 2006
Admins: Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC
Warning Access Issue: Regulations DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

This is an organizational entry to help clarify the database. Hopefully, it will help.

In this gorge lie at least 2 major areas/mountains with snow/mixed/ice to climb. Flattop Mountain & Notchtop Mountain have some well-known lines to enjoy here. There may be more hidden gems tucked in the Little Matterhorn/Tourmaline Spire vicinity of which I am unaware. If so, please submit the info to the database.

On Flattop:

Flattop Gully
East Couloir
Hourglass Couloir
West Couloir
Ptamigan Glacier

On Notchtop:

Notchtop Couloir Right
Notchtop Couloir Left
Spiral Route
North Face Left, 5.7 M4 WI4
Direct North Face, 5.8 M4 WI4
North Face, 5.7 WI3+
Sangya Needs Her Dad, WI6
Jack Needs A Life
Pleurodynia, WI5+
Hot Doggies, WI5-6
New Beginnings, M6 WI5
The Hourglass, WI5
Odessa Wall
Guide's Wall, WI2-3
Grace Falls in FAT conditions.... , WI4

Getting There Suggest change

Once in the eastern side of RMNP, the easiest approach to this area is likely from Bear Lake. To get there, drive to the end of Bear Lake Rd. Hike around the right side of Bear Lake. About 1/3 the way around the lake, go right at a trail toward Flattop Mt. Follow this trail and branch off toward your destination. Flattop's summit is 4.4 miles. Notchtop is probably 4 miles or so. Little Matterhorn is probably 5 miles or so.

Make sure you pay attention to your bearings once off the trail in the Notchtop area. It is easy for idgits like me to get a bit turned around and the sharply-angled trail can be hard to find in diminishing light/blowing snow/whiteout conditions.

10 Total Climbs

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