The Aprons Rock Climbing
Elevation: | 13,518 ft |
GPS: |
39.59204, -105.65045 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
Page Views: | 52,395 total · 202/month |
Shared By: | Leo Paik on Feb 20, 2002 |
Admins: | Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC |
Description
These are the Summit Aprons of gorgeous, alpine, granite slabs which beckon you forth from the Summit Lake cirque. 5-9 pitch climbs treat you to a backwater but aerobically friendly alpine experience. Each of the three aprons will offer a different experience. Left to right, the 1st Apron will offer the longest climbs with the least sun with a distinctly more challenging bit of climbing including overhanging, offwidth 5.7. The 2nd Apron offers brilliant, moderate slabs of link-whatever-features-you-wish-climbing with quite adequate protection. The 3rd Apron offers the least steep but the least protected of the bunch. 25-35 minute approaches (timed with a watch, though some may need 60 minutes) keep the legs fresh and save the alpine wakeup calls. Ambulatory or automobile descents offer variety of experiences. Beware of midday lightning. Enjoy!
1st Apron
A. Slip and Slide [1st Apron], 9 X, 4p, gear.
B. 1st Apron, Left Side , 7 PG-13, 6-8p, gear.
C. Cheap Date [1st Apron], 9, 7-8p, ~1400', gear.
2nd Apron
D. The Napkin (2nd Apron), 7, 1p, gear.
E. 2nd Apron Far Left, 8 R, 5p, 780', gear.
F. 2nd Apron Left Side, 8+, 5p, 800', gear.
G. 2nd Apron Center, 7, 5p, 710', gear.
H. ?
I. 2nd Apron Right Side, 7, 6p, 850', gear.
J. 2nd Apron, Right Side Dihedral, 5, 5p, 700', gear.
K. The Napkin (2nd Apron), 7+, 1p, 200', gear.
3rd Apron
M. 3rd Apron Left, 7+ R, 5p, gear.
1st Apron
A. Slip and Slide [1st Apron], 9 X, 4p, gear.
B. 1st Apron, Left Side , 7 PG-13, 6-8p, gear.
C. Cheap Date [1st Apron], 9, 7-8p, ~1400', gear.
2nd Apron
D. The Napkin (2nd Apron), 7, 1p, gear.
E. 2nd Apron Far Left, 8 R, 5p, 780', gear.
F. 2nd Apron Left Side, 8+, 5p, 800', gear.
G. 2nd Apron Center, 7, 5p, 710', gear.
H. ?
I. 2nd Apron Right Side, 7, 6p, 850', gear.
J. 2nd Apron, Right Side Dihedral, 5, 5p, 700', gear.
K. The Napkin (2nd Apron), 7+, 1p, 200', gear.
3rd Apron
M. 3rd Apron Left, 7+ R, 5p, gear.
Getting There
Drive I-70 west from Denver to exit 240 and up the Mt. Evans CO Highway 103. Go to Echo Lake (~10,000'). Follow the summit road to ~12,500 to Summit Lake. Park. Look up. These aprons are arbitrarily called (from left to right) first, second, third. If you can't see the aprons, you may want to do something else. Take a leisurely (Addendum: some argue with this adjective) alpine walk 25-35 minutes (Addendum: timed with a watch avoid walking on vegetation; later - some take up to 60 minutes) to the base of your desired apron. Hop aboard. Some early season ascents will require a bit of snow crossing. During moist years, snow may persist. Ambulatory descents include right of the 3rd Apron or left of the 1st Apron down the hiking trail. Automobile descents require a traverse to the observatory area (L) and a protuberant thumb or a bit tourist schmoozing between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Update: note the new signage to avoid getting ticketed for new restrictions.
Update: note the new signage to avoid getting ticketed for new restrictions.
Classic Climbing Routes at The Aprons
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
Weather Averages
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Photos
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