West Ridge - part E - top to Xanadu Rock Climbing

This is the top most section of the West Ridge. It arbitrarily extends to Xanadu since it is a well-known, easily-identified route. This section is the most breezy, most airy, highest in altitude, and longest to reach. Count on at least a 30 minutes approach. However, on a spring or fall day or in the mornings on a summer day, this stretch of stone is hard to beat for setting close to the Denver Metropolitan area. If there were a place to camp in Eldorado Canyon, this might be the place. It's worth the walk.

Some may call this section of the ridge, the North Buttress. It does seem somewhat distinct from the rest of the West Ridge. Descents off the top can be done generally going left to the gully between The West Ridge & Rincon.

Note, there is still loose rock in sections here. Consider a helmet. Don't forget good judgment. If you come play here, you may be smiling for days.

There are many fine routes in this section of the West Ridge. Routes here vary from 1 to 3 pitches in length. These include: the fun Knight's Move, 5.7; the devious Purple Haze, 5.9; the varied Chockstone, 5.10a - don't short-change yourself with only 1 pitch; Laughing at the Moon, 5.10b; the exquisite Prince of Darkness, 5.11a; the technical Jericho, 5.11c; Wild Turkey, 5.11c/d s; the impressive Ministry of Fear, 5.11d vs; among others.

This is a traditionally-protected area so bring your rack if you visit this section.

For you history buffs, there is an interesting story about how the bold, Alec Sharp spent a sleepless night prior to firing off his intimidating Ministry of Fear in the old publication Bolder Boulder. Many of us ordinary folks with real jobs might spend a sleepless night before putting up a 5.9 s or 5.10 s route.

Again, it's worth the walk.