PRINT: Rock Climbing in Chasm View Wall, RMNP

Chasm View Wall

Colorado > Alpine Rock > RMNP - Rock > Long's Peak

Access Issue: Closures Details

Seasonal closures Feb. 15-July 31. Per the Denver Post:, the Cathedral Wall and all areas above the Loch Vale-Sky Pond Trail are closed to off-trail travel! Per this RMNP website, "Initial closures now occur in Feb. 15 and April, when raptors return to the region and scout for nesting sites. Areas containing general habitat preferred by raptors are closed during this time. Once raptors have selected nesting spots, the initial closures are lifted or adjusted. The specific areas which raptors choose for nesting sites are closed."

For additional information about raptor closures, please visit the Rocky Mountain National Parks area closures website.

General NPS climbing regulations for RMNP posted here.

Description

This is one of the more sunny walls of Long's Peak and thus the rock season is longer. It is relatively short, so the commitment level is reduced; however, don't underestimate the wall, as folks have been benighted here crashing in on folks camped in the Boulder Field. It sports nearly 20 routes that are 4-7 pitches in length. In early season, there can be snow at the base of this wall.

Some of the more popular routes include: Babies R Us, 5.12a; Royal Flush, 5.11c; Red Wall, 5.10a, Middle Path, 5.11b; Directissima, 5.10a; & Martha, M3.

Descent is probably easiest along the Camel, class 3 to the R.

Getting There

Most approach this area from Long's Area trailhead off CO Hwy 7. Hike up to Chasm Lake, 4.5 mi. Ascend scree/boulders to the base of this wall up & right past Chasm Lake.

Getting Down - Chasm View Rappels

Per Kurtz: the Chasm View Rappels start near the base of the Cable Route where the ridge that runs from Mt. Lady Washington meets the far right edge of The Diamond. The two bolt anchor and chain station is on the northeast face of a 5' tall rectangular block, right at the edge. You need two 60m ropes.

The first rappel is about 150' straight down. The rap station is on a good ledge and is easy to spot.

The second rappel is also about 150'. Stay climber's left, out of the chimney that is full of loose rock. It's a good idea to saddlebag your ropes. As of Aug. 2024, there are two rap stations. You'll probably spot the gear & tat station first, but look about 20' right and slightly higher to locate a better two bolt anchor and chain station.

The third rappel to the Broadway Ledge felt a bit longer than the advertised 150'. It's lower angle and you will encounter a terrifying amount of loose rock. Exercise extreme caution. Saddlebag your ropes. Use all of your rope to reach the best landing spot. Clear the landing zone to avoid the rocks your partner will knock off. The BW Ledge is incredibly loose in this area, so tread carefully.

Routes from Left to Right

5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b PG13 2 ● Chasm View Cutoff Trad, Alpine 5 pitches
5.12- 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a PG13 20 ● Babies R' Us Trad, Alpine 5 pitches
5.12a/b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6a 3 ● Invisible Wall Trad, Alpine 6 pitches
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b 45 ● Red Wall Trad, Alpine 6 pitches
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b 166 ● Directissima Trad, Alpine 4 pitches
5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a 12 ● Sharp on Both Ends Trad, Alpine 6 pitches

● Chasm View Cutoff

5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b PG13 Trad, Alpine 5 pitches

● Babies R' Us

5.12- 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a PG13 Trad, Alpine 5 pitches

● Invisible Wall

5.12a/b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6a Trad, Alpine 6 pitches

● Red Wall

5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b Trad, Alpine 6 pitches

● Directissima

166

5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b Trad, Alpine 4 pitches

● Sharp on Both Ends

5.12a 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a Trad, Alpine 6 pitches

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Some routes on Chasm View Wall.

Looking at Chasm View from Broadway.

Chasm View Wall.

Looking over and down on Chasm View from on the Diamond. Photo by Tony Bubb, 1996.

The Chasm View rappel start from the Northeast.

The Chasm View rappels from below.

The Chasm View rappel start from the Cable Route.

Chasm View. Find the climbers!

Nice views of the Diamond on the approach here. Kateri soaks up some sun & the vista. Photo by Tony Bubb 7/08.

Looking down the initial descent to reach the Sidewalk.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

ejesse Jesse
Colorado Springs

Anyone climb the Invisible Wall free? I'd be excited to hear about the 11+ R pitch, specifically where that R is, and any other beta from someone who has climbed it. Jul 12, 2016