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Elevation: 10,026 ft 3,056 m
GPS: 40.30559, -105.5232
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 7,718 total · 28/month
Shared By: Skip Harper on Aug 2, 2002 · Updates
Admins: Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC
Warning Access Issue: Area Closure ended but timed entry permits are REQUIRED DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

Castaway has an interesting mix of single pitch trad and sport routes on a relatively small, steep outcropping. The rock is gneiss (typical of this area), so be prepared to confront lichenous, sometimes insubstantial rock in places. Most of the routes are on the colorful north face, receive little sun and offer an escape from a hot day. Two recently installed sets of top anchors allow quick raps from all routes. "What's My Line" (10b), a challenging trad lead up a series of thin interconnected cracks, will keep you in suspense. "Atmospheric Testing" (10+ sport) will definitely expose you to the rarified air.

Getting There Suggest change

Take CO Highway 7 south from Estes Park for 6 miles, turn off at Lily Lake Visitor Center. Park at the Twin Sister's Trailhead (the 'north' approach) and take the trail for 3 switchbacks (important!). Find a faint trail going uphill and follow it, or its general direction until you find the expansive talus slopes underlying The Crags. Mountain goat your way up the talus to the first huge face, The Lower Great Face, and find Castaway Crag at its lower left end (facing the rock). Be forewarned, this is at least a 45 minute uphill thrutch and will cost at least a liter of sweat.

5 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Castaway Crag

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
 9
What's My Line
Trad
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
 16
Crashed At Sea
Sport
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b
 13
Atmospheric Testing
Sport
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
What's My Line
 9
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b Trad
Crashed At Sea
 16
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b Sport
Atmospheric Testing
 13
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b Sport
More Classic Climbs in Castaway Crag »

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