The Watchtower  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Elevation:  7,365' Lat, Long:  40.1709, -105.4136 Map Page Views:  1,693. Good page?    Administrators:  Ben Mottinger, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monomaniac, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Richard M. Wright on Jan 1, 2001 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 55° | 43° 68° | 45° 70° | 45° 73° | 45° 79° | 55°

BETA PHOTO: The Watchtower in warm afternoon sun!

Description 

The Watchtower is a large imposing tooth-like formation with North-West exposure. As of the present, April 2001, this formation appears to be closed to climbing having been purchased by a private party a year ago. The Watchtower does hold a few routes including an excellent 2 pitch sport route called Highway Robbery (5.12b). The rock is overall very good, although not the cleanest in the canyon. Climbing on the large North face is largely on fine sharp edges, while the trad corner contains a decent crack system.

Getting There 

From the intersection in Lyons, head up the SSV canyon along highway 7 for 10.4 miles. The Watchtower is across the river, and a private bridge can (in principle) take you across. The approach is trivial, and parking is near by. Presently, it is advisable to get permission from the land owner to climb here.

The Classics

Featured Route For The Watchtower

West Face AKA Cold Feelings 5.7 R  CO : Lyons : ... : The Watchtower

This route is one of only two on the West face. Dan Hare confirmed that (from Gillett's book there was some speculation) the upper corner has been climbed at 5.10+P1: 5.6, head straight up cracks and jugs for 60 feet to fixed pro. It is surprisingly exposed.P2: 5.6, head straight up the same crack system with a little laybacking. Step onto the slab and follow a thinnish crack directly through a small bulge staying left of a prominent tree. Then gain a ledge with fixed pro. 80 feet.P3: 5.7...[more]   Browse More Classics in CO

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BETA PHOTO: Boulder County Assessor map showing The Watchtower...

BETA PHOTO: Google Map showing The Watchtower in relationship ...