The Upper Great Face Rock Climbing

There are 2 approaches to this crag. Neither was a trail. Expect an hour at least to approach. Get your bearings before heading into the trees. Both will require some reorientation once you clear the trees. The first starts from the Twin Sister's Trailhead off CO Hwy 7, past the Lily Lake Visitor Center, South of Estes Park, just across from Lily Lake. Hike along the trail for perhaps a half mile to the third switchback, then head up the hill. This is not very specific, but that is what it was. The other approach is signed as private property just past the Baldpate Inn, off CO Hwy 7, across from Lily Lake. There is a chained-off dirt road that indicates you can hike private property lines the road. At some point a short distance down the road, you can break off uphill from the dirt road, go up through the forest, and reorient when you clear the trees.

Per Kat A: The Upper Great Face is more easily approached now than several years ago, as there is a cairned trail to Wizard's Gate, which located on the right side of the Lower Great Face. From the Twin Sister's TH (across CO Hwy 7 from Lily Lake), veer off left at the 3rd switchback (count each turn on the main trail as a switchback - left, right, left then cut left off main trail). Once you're below Wizard's Gate, head climber's left, and drop below Castaway Crag. Then head uphill towards The Upper Great Face. Most routes are on the left side of the face. I estimate it is a 1.25 hour approach. Note on the way back to your car, you will veer downhill a bit skier's left - it's helpful to keep in mind if it's dark and/or you lose the cairned trail.