Conditions to Notchtop???

Does anyone know what the conditions are like for the approach hike to Notchtop Mountain? I am climbing it tomorrow and was curious if anyone knew.

Jimn Seiler wrote:Does anyone know what the conditions are like for the approach hike to Notchtop Mountain? I am climbing it tomorrow and was curious if anyone knew.

Good place for any RMNP Info would be RMNPforums.com if none can help you out.

You will have to create a membership but it is well worth it for the info.

Jeff

It's cool I already climbed it today. It was snowing and it was sweet. I took some great photo's

Jimn Seiler wrote:It's cool I already climbed it today. It was snowing and it was sweet. I took some great photo's

You need to post some of those pictures, I backpacked and camped up at Notchtop / Odessa two months ago. Simply gorgeous area and really want to go do some rockclimbing up there when my abilities allow.

I do not know how to get photos on these threads.

If you want I can post them on the Spiral route on Notchtop.

I am not sure what you meant by "when your ability allows" are you injured? I was and this was the first climb I did in 6 months. It is only a 5.4 and really more of a hike than a climb which was good for us because it was cold and snowing and I get so cold belaying. I really need a down parka.

I did descend the gully ( 4th class ) which actually was the worst part of the route. I will post a picture of Jeff trying to downclimb one of the 4th class sections. I will post it on the Spiral Route because I don't know how to post on here. Even though it was snowing and cold this was not to bad other than getting off in the gully. We did not use ropes for that and there was snow and ice on the crux's. I had done this route before, however we rapped off. I don't know which was worse. As far as the technical portions go the rock was dry and good.

Jimn Seiler wrote: I am not sure what you meant by "when your ability allows" are you injured?

No injuries, just new to climbing and from the pictures I have seen of people climbing notchtop, I was under the impression that it was in the 5.9 - 5.10 range.
I am really up for an adventure up there soon/ alot of time to take off next summer and might have to take one of those classic Alpine climbs as a guided climb (Colorado Mtn School). What do you think that would typically run in price??

Jeff

I have taken a couple of courses at CMS and I do think they were beneficial. I really think finding a good climbing partner is the true key to advancing in climbing. You have to make the commitment to the time investment and find a good group of people to climb with that you can ask questions and feel comfortable around. No ego's is what I look for personally. I climb to have adventures, challenges, and learn about who I am and who I want to be so ego's are something I personally avoid.

P.S. I posted 3 pictures on the Spiral Route.

Kevin Friesen wrote:Jeffrey, I would suggest doing one of the classic Alpine climbs as a guided climb (Colorado Mtn School). This combines a tremendous adventure with an accelerated learning curve.

@Kevin Friesen - Meant to thank you for the CMS Info from prior. Brain Surgeries! I hope is all good now!

Jimn - Saw the pictures, they look sweet. Looks like it was quite the adventure and I fully agree - No EGO's. They can only hinder what I am trying to accomplish with this goal. Still looking for someone to take on this course of action with whom can be a partner to do the bigger stuff as well as the backpacking trips / climbing endeavors. I was sitting at my camp at Odessa wondering how hard it would be to get to the top of Notchtop. I guess you come around the southern side and go around the back to the top from what I gather looking at the Spiral route?
I might shoot for this next summer.
Jeff