The Monastery

Looks like we are gong to climb this area, probably the Outer Gates, next weekend. There are no comments on the area page. Anyone have any thoughts/advice? Is there a good book with these routes? Is it hot there? Is it north/south facing? Thanks in advance.....

This is a fun place to climb. I think the best guidebook is the Estes Valley one that has Lumpy Ridge in it. Sorry, the full name escapes me. It is a long but nice hike in, and I think you can stay out of the sun if you like. It will be a little cooler since it is in the mountains. Have fun!

Rocky Mountain National Park, The Climbers Guide, Estes Park Valley, by Bernard Gillett has about 20 pages on the this area with good maps, descriptions and pics. p163 - p183. It's a great guide book.

Get the book!

It is up high so plan on quick weather changes. Keep a eye on afternoon storms. The hike out is on an exposed ridge line so keep that in mind. The climbing is really fun and very different.

If your climbing more than one day definitely backpack in instead of car camp. You'll get a lot more climbing in and the hike sucks.

I don't know what your weather in Evergreen is like, but my limited experience with the Monastery is that it is about 10 degrees cooler than Boulder. I wouldn't bring my dog to the outer gates area, even though she would like the hike in. Many of the routes are in narrow passages that involve some scrambling. These passages can get ridiculously crowded as people are trying to avoid the sun and the 5.14's. More crowded than the gym if you can believe that! If you are just interested in the easier slab climbing on the outer south side you're probably OK bringing a mellow dog. Generally the easier slab routes are in the sun, the moderate routes are in the sun/shade in the narrow slots, and the desperate Caldwell classics are in the shady inner passage.

I have to note that people at the Monastery seem to have more attitude than at any other climbing area I've been to in Colorado. Usually crowded climbing areas like Table Mountain are pretty friendly hang-out places, but the Monastery seems to bring out the inner spraymaster in all of us!

Maybe you're looking in the wrong place, but the Monastery area page has plenty of good comments that would adress a lot of your concerns.

It's a fairly stout 30 minute hike in from the road. Get the Gillett book, it's great. Can't say for sure, but I would bet you won't be hot, since you are up high and plenty of shade around. Bring a jacket - these other commenters are right about the quick weather changes. If I'm remembering right, most of the Outer Gates crags face Northwest, and a lot of the belay areas are shaded during most of the day. If you're climbing the Outer Gates, your dog would be comfortable, so long as he's not a total spaz. There are some tight passageways, but they're short and you don't have to be in them for most of the Outer Gates climbs.

Monatery is my favorite climbing area! The rock tends to be sharp, and there are some great slab climbs in the Outer Gates. Beautiful views of Long's Peak. If you find some extra time or if Outer Gates is too crowded, head over to Bear's Lair and jump on Bear Hug, it's a blast!

David Houston wrote:I have to note that people at the Monastery seem to have more attitude than at any other climbing area I've been to in Colorado. Usually crowded climbing areas like Table Mountain are pretty friendly hang-out places, but the Monastery seems to bring out the inner spraymaster in all of us!

I won't say you're wrong, but I haven't had this type of experience at the Monastery.

Not sure if you've already gone, but if not defintely make time to climb the Bride (5.7), its in the Lions Den. This is a excellent climb!!! Enjoy the approach, it keeps away some of the crowd. :-0