Turkey Rock 

An alternate, and IMO easier, approach is to continue on FR 360 for approximately 1 mile past the campground sign. Take the first left after you get to the top of the hill (there used to be a tree marked with a red "dot" here), and follow that road until you reach one of two or three indistinct parking areas. Hike straight up and slightly right, aiming for the obvious low point of the ridge, and you will soon find yourself directly above Turkey Perch.

It is my understanding that all of the Pike national forest is closed due to the Hayman fire. this includes the Turkey rocks area. bummer. The south platte areas near Pine are all private land so they are still open.

Thanks a million dan. I'm glad I didn't head up there today. j monahan

I don't get this way much but might go over the weekend. Is it still closed?

I just talked to Pete Gallager at the Forest Service yesterday (April 22, 2003) and he said that there will most likely be a limited reopening of the Hayman burn areas on April 28th, 2003. Sheep's Nose will probably be accessible as normal, but climbers may only be able to access Turkey by foot from Stump Ranch...a long hike.

He was sure to emphasize that the decision is a "fluid" one, so don't count on anything for sure. Check www.fs.fed.us/r2/psicc/ for press releases, especially as we approach the April 28th date.

The perch is a good area for intermediate climbers like myself. Make sure and do Stephenwolf which is a classic 5.9 and a bit of a grunt in several places. Make sure and bring some tape gloves too. Awsome area, free camping, friendly climbers, bomber granite and not crowded during the week.

So are Turkey Rocks open now (as of 5-21-03)? I checked the gov't site above but it was " under construction". Any information is appreciated.

Yes, for a few weeks now. Sheep's Nose is open as well.

Here's the order from April 28th:

www.fs.fed.us/r2/psicc/hayres/closures.htm

It basically says the rules are pretty much back to normal, just make sure you only park in designated parking areas, which are marked with signs.

The road is open all the way to the parking area on the backside of Turkey rocks. It is in good shape.It's also open a couple of more miles towards Big rock.9-1-2004

Any idea how close one can get to Big Rock from the Turkey Rocks side, assuming a moderately beefy 4x4?

I was wondering if anyone knows what the fingers/hand crack about 20 ft. right of the 5.6 Nightime Madness 3rd pitch chimney is. It fades out up high and you have to go over a small bulge with virtually no hands and a small nut below you. Felt real real hard. Someone said it was vanishing point but that climb is listed as only 1 pitch.????

Howdy, I found a rope on Nighttime Madness on Friday 3/15. If this is your rope, call 303 350 7523 and tell me the color and brand.
Yee Haw!