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Elevation: 5,285 ft
GPS: 40.6705, -105.23037
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Page Views: 13,419 total · 157/month
Shared By: Ken Duncan on Apr 18, 2017 · Updates
Admins: James Schroeder, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC
Warning Access Issue: 2024 Seasonal Raptor Closures DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

Picnic Rock has a long but obscure climbing history. At one time, the National Guard and/or ROTC used the area for climbing practice. Locals have climbed here for at least 50 years. The crag is very lichenous and has never seen much traffic. The climbing has a somewhat alpine feel. With its proximity to town and the short approach, it is a place to go for a quick after work fix.

The picnic area is heavily used on nice weekends and is a major takeout for tubers and paddlers. The crag is west-facing and thus gets sun in the afternoon.

After some major lichen scrubbing these were initially set up as mixed routes but now five of the six routes are fully bolted. They also can be easily top-roped but be careful of loose rock on top. The face is taller than it looks and the routes are most easily done with a 70m rope, but with some shenanigans, you may be able to get down from all but Chips and Beer with a 60m. Be sure to knot the ends.

If anyone has further historical information or corrections, please let me know, and I will update this.

Getting There Suggest change

Park at the large picnic area approximately one half mile upstream from the canyon mouth. The crag is obvious across the river from the parking area. At low water, cross the river just upstream of the crag.

8 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Picnic Rock

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a PG13
 29
Adults Only Picnic
Sport, TR
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
 15
Less Lichen, More Lovin'
Sport, TR
5.10b/c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
 20
Chips and Beer
Sport, TR
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
 23
Picnic Blank It
Sport, TR
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Adults Only Picnic
 29
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a PG13 Sport, TR
Less Lichen, More Lovin'
 15
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b Sport, TR
Chips and Beer
 20
5.10b/c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b Sport, TR
Picnic Blank It
 23
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b Sport, TR
More Classic Climbs in Picnic Rock »

Sun & Shade Suggest change

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