All Locations > Colorado > Alpine Rock > RMNP - Rock > Wild Basin (bouldering)

Sword Boulder Climbing

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Elevation:	8,670 ft	2,643 m
GPS:	40.21235, -105.56064 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	84 total · 10/month
Shared By:	Will C on May 29, 2025
Admins:	Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC Page Updates (admin only)

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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

Sword Boulder is nice and secluded given the trickier approach. The guidebook has good directions to find this.

Getting There

Cross the river directly across from Finch Trailhead parking, continue North, and bushwhack a little bit. Once at the Elk Boulder, continue north, go up the rocky dome with the path of least resistance, and trend right to find some cairns. It is 200 yards North of the boulder Put An Elk On It.