All Locations > Colorado > Estes Park Valley > Devil's Gulch &… > Cow Creek Canyon / Mc…

Sheep Mountain Rock Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Sheep Mountain Rock

L › R R › L A › Z

	Double Fantasy T 5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
	Gimmerton Corner T 5.10b/c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
	Lamb Skin T 5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
	One of these days, Felix T 5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b

Order Wrong? Sort Routes

Explore this area in 3D

Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.

Elevation:	9,000 ft	2,743 m
GPS:	40.433, -105.5299 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	5,638 total · 20/month
Shared By:	Kurt Johnson on Dec 22, 2001
Admins:	Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC Page Updates (admin only)

See Weather Forecast

Access Issue: Details

Sheep Mountain may have raptor closure issues. Please contact RMNP for further details.

Description

Sheep Mountain Rock is the long south-facing cliff band (350 feet high by 1,500 feet long) located on the north side of the valley about 2 miles from the trailhead, where its low-angled eastern flank can be seen. With an approach longer than any at nearby Lumpy Ridge, routes no more than 4 pitches long, and containing only 10 routes, it's not exactly a hot climbing destination. But its uniqueness, solitude, and two classic routes (Double Fantasy - 5.10a and Glimmerton Corner - 5.10b) make the hike in worthwhile, especially if you're looking for a break from Lumpy.

The best descent for all routes is a gully to the west, and although an eastern descent isn't mentioned and I haven't tried it, it may be feasible for routes closer to that side.

Getting There

There's not exactly a standard approach as there's no trail from the main trail to the rock - not even a faint "climber's trail." But to start with, head west from McGraw Ranch along the Cow Creek Trail as if you're heading to Bridalveil Falls. When the rock is in full view, look around for whatever looks like the best way up. Guidebooks suggest to start heading up at either the Gem Lake junction or just beyond the trail to Rabbit Ears campground. Whether you choose one of these or find a better way, you'll be hiking uphill farther than you would to Sundance - without the benefit of a trail.

L->R:

A. Double Fantasy, 10-, 3p, 320', gear.
B. Wuthering Heights, 9 R, 3p, gear.
C. Pennystone Crag, 9+, 3p, gear.
DC. Lamb's Skin, 8, 3p, gear.
E. Gimmerton Corner, 10, 3p, 350', gear.
F? One of these days, Felix, 10+, 4p, gear.
G? Stone Pillar, 10, 3p, gear.
H. Himmelfahrt, 10, 4p, gear.
I. Thrushcross Grange, 7, 2-3p, gear.
J. High Road, 0, 2-3p, gear.