Fall River Road (US 34 West) Climbing

This is a section of the Estes Park Valley which lies along US 34, a.k.a. Fall River Rd aka Wonderview. Along this road, west of Estes Park lies an abundance of small crags and the occasional larger crag. Some, if not most, lie on National Park land. Numerous of these are located on private property or accessed through private property. So, check first and/or keep a low profile unless you are clearly on public lands.

Most of the rock along this stretch is granitic on various domes and outcrops up to 900 feet long. The majority of the routes are consequently slabby in nature; however, you can find vertical to overhanging stretches in spots.

Much of this is less-traveled and nestled in the forests, so you can find peace and solitude if you like to explore.

Some of the crags along this stretch include the better known, but still backwater crags, like North Face of Deer Mountain and McGregor Slab. Some of the more obscure here include Window Rock, Castle Rock, Old Man Mt., Owlette, SPlatte Rock, Thumb Rock, rocks along the hillside east of Thumb Rock, and many, many more. While there is certainly room for FAs, many of these rocks have been scaled and little trace has been left here. So, if you come here, enjoy but consider the "leave no trace" ethic here. Note, some of this is mountain lion country, so be careful if you bring your kids or pets.

Per Eli Helmuth: almost all of this rock is in RMNP.

Note, Deer Ridge Buttress has been moved under a new subarea Deer Mountain due to feedback from a MP.com user.