PRINT: Rock Climb Dead End, Estes Park Valley

Dead End

5.9, Trad, 50 ft (15 m),

Avg: 2.1 from 39 votes
FA: Doug Snively and Bernard Gillett, 1994
Colorado > Estes Park Valley > CO Hwy 7 & Trib… > Crags > Lower Great Face > C. Wizard's Gate

Access Issue: Area Closure ended but timed entry permits are REQUIRED Details

Per Julius Beres & Matt B: $2 timed entry permits issued by RMNP are definitely required if you arrive after 9a and before 3p.

Per Bob Siegrist: as of 6/11/20, the parking areas are no longer blocked off. RMNP is open.

Per Matt B: this area is currently closed to all visitors due to temporary RMNP closures. The entire parking area is blocked off. Please do not threaten access to this area by climbing during this closure to all visitors.

Description

Below The Guillotine, on the right-facing dihedral is a series of cracks. 'Dead End' ascends these cracks and ledges, eventually reaching the newly installed chain anchors (shares chains with 'Crystal Staircase') which might warrant a name change. Previously one would climb above said anchors and then downclimb 20 feet to a chockstone to lower off.

As this climb cleans up, its quality will increase. For enjoyable movement and something completely different than 'Crystal Staircase this is worthy. This climb can be top roped after one leads 'Crystal Staircase', and vice versa.

Location

This is on the left dihedral (right-facing) next to 'The Guillotine'.

Protection

Small rack, up to 1 inch.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Amos belaying Brent on Dead End.

Slava TRing off Crystal Staircase anchors.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Tony B
Around Boulder, CO

5.8+

Rack to 1" - interesting, I had my hands jammed in cracks much of the way - sure a lot of 2-3" gear potential, IMO.

Climb must have cleaned up. Similar in difficulty to Crystal Staircase but with only a hard move down low and one more up top. Probably slightly easier but just as good and perhaps more interesting. Jun 30, 2019