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The Enclosures

Colorado > Estes Park Valley > CO Hwy 7 & Trib… > Crags
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Description

This area, which extends from the Grey Slab to the Upper Great Face, includes a number of worthwhile single and two-pitch lines. It's a good spot for sticking with shorter routes, or if you have some extra time following a longer UGF route, knocking out another pitch at the end of the day. The numerous folds (hence the name) create some interesting features, namely aretes and faces, and allow one to chase sun or shade throughout the day. It is also home of the Druid Tower, a formation that in the right light can take on a humanoid type figure.

Getting There

Use the same approach as for the Upper Great Face or The Crosswinds, depending on which section of this area you're headed to.

The best approach to either of those is to take the Lower Great Face/Wizard's Gate trail. However, don't go all the way up. Instead, traverse the slope below the Castaway Crag, following cairns; The turnoff will be hard to spot at first but the path should be easy to follow once you know where it is. From the left side of Castaway, choose your path through the talus field, with the easiest way (largest and most stable rocks) generally being near the middle.

The exception to this approach would be for people climbing the whole Golden Staircase. 

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Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

The Enclosures, with the Druid Tower just left of center. Grey Slab is down and left, with the backside of Shark's Fin on the far left. This photo was taken from the Upper Great Face.
[Hide Photo] The Enclosures, with the Druid Tower just left of center. Grey Slab is down and left, with the backside of Shark's Fin on the far left. This photo was taken from the Upper Great Face.