Notchtop Rock Climbing

Notchtop is a spectacular mountain, offering climbing on par with anything in the Park short of Long's Peak. It offers a beautiful, steep South Ridge, an excellent mountaineering route, and some hard 5.11 testpieces. The descent can be a bit confusing and potentially dangerous if you get off route. The mountain has 2 summits: that of the spire which is separated from the main peak by the namesake notch, and the summit of the main peak.  If your route leads to (or near) the spire summit, then find a 4th Class scramble south of it that turns into a ledge, which in turn leads west to the actual notch. From the notch, go 3rd Class west to the main summit. Then, find a 4th Class ledge system which gradually descends below a craggy ridge, near the top of the peak's SW face. This ledge is exposed in spots and cuts across the top of several very steep gullies (some of which have rappel slings-- DO NOT rappel these gullies, however!). Make your return to the base of the cliff ONLY when an obvious, wide, talus filled third class gully leads to the SE. This descent would be more treacherous if it was wet or dark. Rope up if you are unsure. NOTE: there is apparently a new rap route (not described in any guidebook) which offers passage down the SW face, but I know nothing about it. Possible beta may be had at climbing shops in Estes Park, et al...or not.

This subarea only contains rock routes.