Creekside Rock Climbing
Elevation: | 6,925 ft |
GPS: |
40.0043, -105.4065 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
Page Views: | 21,500 total · 110/month |
Shared By: | Orphaned on Sep 18, 2007 |
Admins: | Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC |
The U.S. Forest lifted closures 7/26/23.
From W. McCurry: As of 2/10/23 Blob, Bitty Buttress, & Security Risk are open. Eagle Rock remains closed more info: fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/news….
W. McCurry, NFS, Arap./Roo. NF: USFS began annual area closures in BC 2/1/23. The closures were Eagle Rock, Blob Rock, Bitty Buttress & Security Risk.
Effective through 7/31/23, the closures protect a long-established golden eagle nesting territory. Happy Hour, Bihedral & Riviera will remain open as long as visitors stay out of the closed areas.
The Boulder Ranger District partners with the BCC to monitor nesting progress & to inform climbers about the importance of giving the eagles space to raise young.
Federal & state laws prohibit disturbing any nesting bird of prey. Visitors can help protect wildlife by respecting all closures. Signs will be posted at key access points into the closed areas. Closure info: fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/eagles.
K. Armstrong, Public Affairs Specialist, Nat'l Forest Service: as of 6/8/21: BC areas reopen after unsuccessful nesting.
K. Armstrong, NF Ranger 7/29/20:
Following a 5 month closure to protect nesting eagles, the Roosevelt NF has reopened Eagle Rock climbing area in BC.
“The BC eagles successfully raised 1 strong and healthy eaglet this year,” said wildlife biologist Aurelia DeNasha, USDA FS. “2 chicks hatched initially, but unfortunately only 1 survived to fledge, which isn’t uncommon in birds of prey.”
Visits to the nest did not reveal the exact cause of death of the 2nd chick, but cooperation by climbers with the closures are crucial to the eagles’ success each season.
“Golden eagle pairs are most susceptible to disturbance when choosing a nest. These closures allow the birds to pick the best site for survival without impact of other factors, such as human presence. Once chosen, the nest site stays closed until the eagles fledge in late July,” said DeNasha.
After the eagles’ site selection was made unused areas reopened in April.
The annual nesting closures include popular rock climbing spots at Eagle Rock, Blob Rock, Bitty Buttress & Security Risk in BC.
Effective through 7/31/20, the closures protect a long-established golden eagle nesting territory. Happy Hour, Bihedral & Riviera remain open as long as visitors stay out of the closed areas.
The Boulder Ranger District partners with BCC & AF to monitor nesting progress and to inform climbers about the importance of giving the eagles space to raise their young.
It is against federal and state law to disturb any nesting bird of prey. Only employees, volunteers, and wildlife professionals under an agreement with the Forest Service enter nesting areas for monitoring purposes. This is for the integrity of nest and the safety of the eagles, those conducting surveys, and the public. Visitors can help protect wildlife by respecting all closures and leaving immediately if you should accidentally enter one.
For the most current closure information, check signs in the areas, call the Boulder Ranger District office at 303-541-2500, or visit local climbing websites or fs.usda.gov/recmain/arp/rec….
As of 4/21/20, Blob Rock, East Blob Rock, Bitty Buttress, & Security Risk are open. Eagle Rock remains closed until 7/31/2020 confirmed with Matt Henry, Rec Prog Mgr, FS.
From K. Armstrong, FS Pub Aff, katherine.armstrong@usda.gov, 970-222-7607: 3/20/19, Blob Rock, East Blob Rock, Bitty Buttress, & Security Risk are open to activities. Eagle Rock remains closed to climbing and other activities through 7/31/19.
The Boulder Ranger District partners with BCC & AF to monitor nesting progress & to inform climbers....
See - fs.usda.gov/recmain/arp/rec….
Perennial notice:
Eagle Rock, Blob Rock, Bitty Buttress, & Security Risk will close 2/1 - 7/31 for nesting. Depending on updated information, the closure time can be shortened/lengthened.
Each year, BC raptor nesting area closures are in effect starting 2/1 through 7/31 at Eagle Rock, Security Risk, Blob Rock, & Bitty Buttress. The area is monitored & closures are periodically lifted early (due to no active nest, nest site failure, or early fledging). This monitoring program is a partnership with the FS Boulder Ranger District, BCC, & Audubon Society. Check back periodically during times of closure for updates. More info at fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/rec…
From W. McCurry: As of 2/10/23 Blob, Bitty Buttress, & Security Risk are open. Eagle Rock remains closed more info: fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/news….
W. McCurry, NFS, Arap./Roo. NF: USFS began annual area closures in BC 2/1/23. The closures were Eagle Rock, Blob Rock, Bitty Buttress & Security Risk.
Effective through 7/31/23, the closures protect a long-established golden eagle nesting territory. Happy Hour, Bihedral & Riviera will remain open as long as visitors stay out of the closed areas.
The Boulder Ranger District partners with the BCC to monitor nesting progress & to inform climbers about the importance of giving the eagles space to raise young.
Federal & state laws prohibit disturbing any nesting bird of prey. Visitors can help protect wildlife by respecting all closures. Signs will be posted at key access points into the closed areas. Closure info: fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/eagles.
K. Armstrong, Public Affairs Specialist, Nat'l Forest Service: as of 6/8/21: BC areas reopen after unsuccessful nesting.
K. Armstrong, NF Ranger 7/29/20:
Following a 5 month closure to protect nesting eagles, the Roosevelt NF has reopened Eagle Rock climbing area in BC.
“The BC eagles successfully raised 1 strong and healthy eaglet this year,” said wildlife biologist Aurelia DeNasha, USDA FS. “2 chicks hatched initially, but unfortunately only 1 survived to fledge, which isn’t uncommon in birds of prey.”
Visits to the nest did not reveal the exact cause of death of the 2nd chick, but cooperation by climbers with the closures are crucial to the eagles’ success each season.
“Golden eagle pairs are most susceptible to disturbance when choosing a nest. These closures allow the birds to pick the best site for survival without impact of other factors, such as human presence. Once chosen, the nest site stays closed until the eagles fledge in late July,” said DeNasha.
After the eagles’ site selection was made unused areas reopened in April.
The annual nesting closures include popular rock climbing spots at Eagle Rock, Blob Rock, Bitty Buttress & Security Risk in BC.
Effective through 7/31/20, the closures protect a long-established golden eagle nesting territory. Happy Hour, Bihedral & Riviera remain open as long as visitors stay out of the closed areas.
The Boulder Ranger District partners with BCC & AF to monitor nesting progress and to inform climbers about the importance of giving the eagles space to raise their young.
It is against federal and state law to disturb any nesting bird of prey. Only employees, volunteers, and wildlife professionals under an agreement with the Forest Service enter nesting areas for monitoring purposes. This is for the integrity of nest and the safety of the eagles, those conducting surveys, and the public. Visitors can help protect wildlife by respecting all closures and leaving immediately if you should accidentally enter one.
For the most current closure information, check signs in the areas, call the Boulder Ranger District office at 303-541-2500, or visit local climbing websites or fs.usda.gov/recmain/arp/rec….
As of 4/21/20, Blob Rock, East Blob Rock, Bitty Buttress, & Security Risk are open. Eagle Rock remains closed until 7/31/2020 confirmed with Matt Henry, Rec Prog Mgr, FS.
From K. Armstrong, FS Pub Aff, katherine.armstrong@usda.gov, 970-222-7607: 3/20/19, Blob Rock, East Blob Rock, Bitty Buttress, & Security Risk are open to activities. Eagle Rock remains closed to climbing and other activities through 7/31/19.
The Boulder Ranger District partners with BCC & AF to monitor nesting progress & to inform climbers....
See - fs.usda.gov/recmain/arp/rec….
Perennial notice:
Eagle Rock, Blob Rock, Bitty Buttress, & Security Risk will close 2/1 - 7/31 for nesting. Depending on updated information, the closure time can be shortened/lengthened.
Each year, BC raptor nesting area closures are in effect starting 2/1 through 7/31 at Eagle Rock, Security Risk, Blob Rock, & Bitty Buttress. The area is monitored & closures are periodically lifted early (due to no active nest, nest site failure, or early fledging). This monitoring program is a partnership with the FS Boulder Ranger District, BCC, & Audubon Society. Check back periodically during times of closure for updates. More info at fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/rec…
Description
Creekside is on the north face, down by the creek. The rushing water of the creek makes this a cool and pleasant place to climb in warmer weather. This is one of the most magical and beautiful places to climb in all of Boulder Canyon. Enjoy the unique ambience of this special place.
Outstanding routes include Local Hero and Spirit on the Water.
All the routes in this area are mixed, and require gear in addition to the bolts.
Two routes start just above the creek: Curtain Call, which climbs a slab and merges with Showtime on the second pitch; and Local Hero, a great two-pitch route which ascends the right side of the Showtime pinnacle.
Four routes start right by the creek, and are only accessible when the water level is low (late summer to mid-spring): Creekside Cruise, Liquid Therapy, Spirit on the Water, and Los Pinos (The Pines). Los Pinos can be done as a two-pitch route, or as a four-pitch route which goes all the way to the summit.
From the start of Curtain Call and Local Hero, a dirt path heads left and up to The Garden.
Routes from left to right:
29. Curtain Call, 8+, 2p, gear and bolts. Slab and arete.
30. Local Hero, 10a, 2p, bolts and gear. Slab, roof, and exposed arete.
31. Creekside Cruise, 7, 1p, gear and 1 bolt. Cracks, corner, roof, flake.
The following routes start right by the creek, and are not accessible when the water level is very high (from mid-May to the end of July):
32. Liquid Therapy, 10, 1p, gear and 2 bolts. Bulge, corner, and cracks left of Spirit on the Water.
33. Spirit on the Water, 9+, 2p, bolts and gear. Stemming corner, face, and slab.
34. Los Pinos (The Pines), 9, 5p, gear and bolts. Face and cracks. Can be climbed all the way to the summit.
Outstanding routes include Local Hero and Spirit on the Water.
All the routes in this area are mixed, and require gear in addition to the bolts.
Two routes start just above the creek: Curtain Call, which climbs a slab and merges with Showtime on the second pitch; and Local Hero, a great two-pitch route which ascends the right side of the Showtime pinnacle.
Four routes start right by the creek, and are only accessible when the water level is low (late summer to mid-spring): Creekside Cruise, Liquid Therapy, Spirit on the Water, and Los Pinos (The Pines). Los Pinos can be done as a two-pitch route, or as a four-pitch route which goes all the way to the summit.
From the start of Curtain Call and Local Hero, a dirt path heads left and up to The Garden.
Routes from left to right:
29. Curtain Call, 8+, 2p, gear and bolts. Slab and arete.
30. Local Hero, 10a, 2p, bolts and gear. Slab, roof, and exposed arete.
31. Creekside Cruise, 7, 1p, gear and 1 bolt. Cracks, corner, roof, flake.
The following routes start right by the creek, and are not accessible when the water level is very high (from mid-May to the end of July):
32. Liquid Therapy, 10, 1p, gear and 2 bolts. Bulge, corner, and cracks left of Spirit on the Water.
33. Spirit on the Water, 9+, 2p, bolts and gear. Stemming corner, face, and slab.
34. Los Pinos (The Pines), 9, 5p, gear and bolts. Face and cracks. Can be climbed all the way to the summit.
Getting There
Cross the creek via the tyrolean, or wade or hop rocks if the water level is low enough.
Once across the creek, hike upstream from the tyrolean along the creek for about 100', to a clearing just before the rock wall comes all the way down to the water. Local Hero starts here. Creekside Cruise starts on a boulder by the creek about 30' right of Local Hero. Liquid Therapy starts 10' farther right at a slick bulge. Spirit on the Water and Los Pinos start another 10' upstream at an alcove carved out of the rock by the rushing creek waters.
This approach takes about 5 minutes.
Once across the creek, hike upstream from the tyrolean along the creek for about 100', to a clearing just before the rock wall comes all the way down to the water. Local Hero starts here. Creekside Cruise starts on a boulder by the creek about 30' right of Local Hero. Liquid Therapy starts 10' farther right at a slick bulge. Spirit on the Water and Los Pinos start another 10' upstream at an alcove carved out of the rock by the rushing creek waters.
This approach takes about 5 minutes.
Classic Climbing Routes at Creekside
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
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