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Cracklin' Otis Bran

M2-3, Mixed, Alpine, 1500 ft (455 m), Grade III,  Avg: 3 from 1 vote
FA: unknown
Colorado > CO Ice & Mixed > RMNP - Mixed/Ice > Bear Lake Trail… > Chaos Canyon > Hallett S Side
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Description

This mixed climb goes up the north face of Otis Peak from Chaos Canyon. It is 2/3 to 3/4 of the way back into the canyon from the lake. You have to almost pass it to see it. See the beta photo for more details.

It offers three steps/cruxes early in the route followed by a moderate snow climb to top out on Otis Peak. The cruxes feel similar to those found on Dreamweaver, though somewhat shorter.

In late May (2017), the hardest crux was the third one. The right side offered ice but was a bit rotten at the bottom, making for a difficult start. The left side was mostly rock under a bit of snow.

Descent options are plentiful. Descend Andrew's Glacier, traverse around to Flattop, or head down Otis's East Ridge, and pick a line back to Lake Haiyaha.

Protection

I climbed solo, but a few nuts, cams, and a couple screws should suffice. I saw no signs of protection or leftover rap slings.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Looking back down after finishing the third crux (5/29/2017).
[Hide Photo] Looking back down after finishing the third crux (5/29/2017).
Straightforward snow climbing from here after the third crux.
[Hide Photo] Straightforward snow climbing from here after the third crux.
Looking at the right ice option on the third crux before deciding no. It was rotten up to about my thigh before turning good, and I couldn't manage to get my leg up that high. (5/29/2017)
[Hide Photo] Looking at the right ice option on the third crux before deciding no. It was rotten up to about my thigh before turning good, and I couldn't manage to get my leg up that high. (5/29/2017)
The third crux is (barely) visible at the top of the photo. The right option is ice but was rotten at the bottom. The left was more rock. (5/29/2017)
[Hide Photo] The third crux is (barely) visible at the top of the photo. The right option is ice but was rotten at the bottom. The left was more rock. (5/29/2017)
The second crux (5/29/2017). Fairly narrow.
[Hide Photo] The second crux (5/29/2017). Fairly narrow.
The first crux (5/29/2017).
[Hide Photo] The first crux (5/29/2017).
Cracklin' Otis Bran is the leftmost route in the picture, curving left of the rock rib in the picture.
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The three cruxes are visible, after which the route turns to snow and gently curves right to join the east ridge to the summit of Otis. Right of the rock rib appears to be a snow-only route option that joins up with this route after the cruxes.
[Hide Photo] Cracklin' Otis Bran is the leftmost route in the picture, curving left of the rock rib in the picture. The three cruxes are visible, after which the route turns to snow and gently curves right t…