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Back of the Nineties Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Back of the Nineties

L › R R › L A › Z

	Aphrodite S 5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b
	Mission Vision S 5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b PG13
	Priapos S 5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b

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Elevation:	6,556 ft	1,998 m
GPS:	39.73809, -105.3225 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	9,666 total · 39/month
Shared By:	Darren Mabe on Sep 2, 2004
Admins:	Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC Page Updates (admin only)

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Access Issue: Seasonal Raptor Closures Details

Please be aware of the annual raptor seasonal closures!

Raptor Closures Effective February 1-July 31

Visit: jeffco.us/open-space/news/2…

Tunnel 1 closure
For more details visit: jeffco.us/open-space/alerts…

CCC Raptor Nesting Closure 1 (MM 270, W of Tunnel 1). Photo reconfiguration: Ron Keller.

CCC Raptor Nesting Closure 2 (E of Tunnel 2). In 2016, the closure WAS lifted June 9 for ONLY the 2016 season, per Eric Krause, JeffCo OS Ranger. Photo reconfiguration: Ron Keller.

The two areas Jefferson County Open Space intends to close in Clear Creek Canyon, shown on the attached maps, encompass the active eagle nests. If the Clear Creek eagles continue to nest in the active nests, these areas will remain closed from February 1 through July 31. If the eagles choose different nesting sites, the closures will be adjusted accordingly to protect those eagles during their breeding season.

Currently, rock climbing areas that fall inside of the seasonal raptor closures include:

Blonde Formation
Bumbling Stock
Evil Area
Ghost Crag
Highlander
Skinny Legs
Stumbling Block
Tetanus Garden
Fault Caves

Access Issue: Raptor fledglings! 7/3/19 - Please avoid this crag! Details

Raptor fledglings!

From Jeffco Open Space regarding nesting birds in this area (posted 7/3/19):

JCOS observed the nest and determined that based on the body size and plumage, the young are likely about a week away from fledging (taking their first flight from the nest). This is a critical time for the young birds, they are learning to fly and are very powerful yet uncoordinated. After fledging, they will remain in the area, being fed by their parents for about 4 weeks as they learn to hunt. Be aware that these birds can be especially territorial and may act aggressively to defend their nests or young. For your safety and the safety of the birds, please avoid climbing at the crag “Back of the '90s” until the birds have left the area.

Description

Back of the Nineties is a north-west facing buttress that sits across the gully, as its name implies, behind the Wall of the Nineties. Three routes are located here ranging from 100-130 feet. These routes: Mission Vision, Aphrodite, and Priapos provide for some quick and nice afterwork climbing with steep and fairly continuous 5.10 and 5.11 climbing. Routes require about a dozen draws, and a 70m rope if you want to do the upper part of Mission Vision. Aphrodite is definitely the best of the three.

You can see the buttress from the parking area if you look just past Interstellar Overdrive at the far right side of Wall of the '90s.

Getting There

Approach by parking at Wall of the '90s/Mission parking, West side Tunnel 2. Continue as for the Mission Wall, but instead of walking downstream all the way to the tyrol, hike up the loose talus gully on your left. Stay close to the left wall where the "trail" is generally more solid. Apparently, touroids get their thrills by hiking this gully with Old Milwaukees to the top of Wall of the Nineties.

A few cairns may still be in place. At the tall branchless tree in the middle of the gully, contour over to the base of the wall. One tall pine tree is at the start of the routes. The climbs start off of a good ledge with a nice overhang to keep you dry and shaded. There is a belay bolt at the start of Mission Vision. Approach time is about 7 minutes from your car.

An alternate approach from Wall of the '90s is to continue past Interstellar up the ramp, and around the corner. 3rd class traverse into the gully. You will be about level with the base of Back of the '90s.

Oh yeah, this is another spot in Clear Creek where you don't hear traffic noise, and minimal creek noise. The view of Mission Wall is stunning.