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Elevation: 13,518 ft
GPS: 39.59204, -105.65045
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 53,073 total · 197/month
Shared By: Leo Paik on Feb 20, 2002
Admins: Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC

Description Suggest change

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.

Getting There Suggest change

Drive I-70 west from Denver to exit 240 and up the Mt. Blue Sky (formerly Mount 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.

10 Total Climbs

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Location: The Aprons Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at The Aprons

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 105
2nd Apron Right Side
Trad, Alpine 6 pitches
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 17
2nd Apron Center
Trad, Alpine 4 pitches
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 6
1st Apron, Left Side
Trad, Alpine 6 pitches
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 7
2nd Apron Left Side
Trad, Alpine 5 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
2nd Apron Right Side
 105
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad, Alpine 6 pitches
2nd Apron Center
 17
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad, Alpine 4 pitches
1st Apron, Left Side
 6
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad, Alpine 6 pitches
2nd Apron Left Side
 7
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad, Alpine 5 pitches
More Classic Climbs in The Aprons »

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