All Locations > Colorado > Alpine Rock > RMNP - Rock > Otis Peak

Wham Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map This is our best guess at this area's location.
Fix Location

Routes in Wham

South Face T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b

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.

GPS:	40.2922, -105.6805 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	4,879 total · 18/month
Shared By:	Tyler Erickson on Jun 10, 2002
Admins:	Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC Page Updates (admin only)

See Weather Forecast

Access Issue: Closures Details

Seasonal closures Feb. 15-July 31. Per the Denver Post:, the Cathedral Wall and all areas above the Loch Vale-Sky Pond Trail are closed to off-trail travel! Per this RMNP website, "Initial closures now occur in Feb. 15 and April, when raptors return to the region and scout for nesting sites. Areas containing general habitat preferred by raptors are closed during this time. Once raptors have selected nesting spots, the initial closures are lifted or adjusted. The specific areas which raptors choose for nesting sites are closed."

For additional information about raptor closures, please visit the Rocky Mountain National Parks area closures website.

General NPS climbing regulations for RMNP posted here.

Description

Wham is the blocky pinnacle just to the east of Zowie, situated above the Andrews Creek Meadow. The rock doesn't get much traffic, so it has its share of loose rock and lichen. The main ridge of Zowie is south-facing, but the sides of the spire are shady gullies. The summit is a few pitches higher than Zowie, and provides interesting views, particularly on the descent.

To descend, rap off a threaded slings from the summit to the northwest (50m) and carefully pick your way down the talus gully between Wham and Zowie. The descent gully doesn't get much sun, so snow and ice may be encountered even when the route is dry. A second rap (25m?) is required to pass over a gigantic chockstone.

Getting There

The approach for Wham is the same as for Zowie. Head up the Andrews Creek drainage until you break out of the forest and can see a meadow in the valley to your right. Leave the hiking trail and cross the valley, aiming for the base of Zowie. Several indistinct trails pass through the small forested cliff bands above the meadow. As you approach the base of Zowie, traverse around to the right side to the base of Wham.