PRINT: Rock Climbing in Not Fin But Fun, Lumpy Ridge

Not Fin But Fun

Colorado > Estes Park Valley > Lumpy Ridge

Access Issue: 2023 Seasonal Raptor Closures lifted 7/28/23 Details

Per Brent Frazier: the raptor closures have been lifted in the Lumpy Ridge and Loch Vale Areas ( nps.gov/romo/raptor-closure…)

Each year, Rocky Mountain National Park initiates temporary closures in certain areas of the park to ensure that birds of prey will be undisturbed during their breeding and nesting seasons. These closures begin on February 15 and continue through July 31, if appropriate. Monitoring by park staff and volunteers have determined that all remaining closures can be lifted on July 28, 2023.

Per Matt Coghill: the Golden eagle nesting activity has extended Lumpy closures through Aug. 15, 2022 on Sundance, Thunder Buttress, and Needle Summit!

Per A.Eaton: the raptor closures have been lifted as of 6/4/2022 at Lumpy for the following formations:

Twin Owls
Rock One
Batman Rock
Batman Pinnacle
Checkerboard
Lightning Rock

Per the Denver Post: as of Feb. 15, 2022, Checkerboard Rock, Lightning Rock, Batman Rock, Batman Pinnacle, Sundance, Thunder Buttress, The Parish, Bookmark Pinnacle, The Left Book, Bookmark, Twin Owls, Rock One, and the Needle are closed for raptor nesting. These closures will continue through July 31, 2022 if needed.

All areas [were] OPEN to climbing for the 2021 post July season.

Closures ending July 31:
Batman Rock, Batman Pinnacle, Lightning Rock, Checkerboard Rock - nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/…
Sundance - nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/…
The Book Area: Left Book, The Bookmark, Bookmark Pinnacle, and the entire Book formation (including Renaissance Wall, Isis Buttress, Pages Wall Area, and J-Crack Slab Area)- nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/…
Thunder Buttress and The Parish - nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/…
Twin Owls and Rock One - nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/…
Cathedral Wall - nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/…

When closed, the closures include the named rock formations and the areas surrounding the base of the formation. This includes all climbing routes, outcroppings, cliffs, faces, ascent and descent routes, and climber's access trails to the formation.

Areas not listed are presumed to be open. These closures will be lifted or extended as conditions dictate.

Description

This is a small spire located just to the West of Fin City. It catches your eye primarily as you sit atop Fin City looking W about 100 feet. You notice the natural notch in the skinny summit and wonder about a simul-rappel...and you notice a bit of white and wonder if someone has gone there before you. So, you wander over, find at least 3 lines to ascend, pick one, and find that the white was evidence that a bird enjoyed that spot for a while.

The left side of the South face (seen in the photo) had a nice lieback but it seemed like a #5 or 4.5 Camalot would be prudent.

Nonetheless, it can provide for another moderate pitch or 3 if you happen to be in the vicinity.

Descent is by simul-rappel, which may be the best part.

Note, there seems to be plenty of rock for the exploring in this area.

Getting There

Hike north from the parking lot towards Gem Lake. At the T intersection, head east. Go to where the trail goes past the closest spot to Crescent Wall. Cross the draw where the draw between the trail & Crescent Wall is shallowest. Hike up as for Fin City.

Routes from Left to Right

5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b 1 ● Fun, Not Fin Trad

● Fun, Not Fin

5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

From the S. Note the notch in the summit...from which you simul rappel.