Big Rock Candy Mountain Rock Climbing

Ken Trout sums up the approach in his 1988 article in Rock and Ice, which is paraphrased below. It is also possible to approach from the Turkey Rock area to the east.

The best way to reach Big Rock Candy Mountain, with two-wheel drive, is from the west side of the South Fork of the South Platte River. From Goose Creek campground, drive almost four miles further south toward Lake George, passing the turn-off to the Lost Creek Trailhead. You will then find a a branch road to the left (east). his turn is more prominent than other, smaller left turns along the way. Take this turn, and then travel over a mile up, and then down onto a ridge, from where you will see Big Rock very clearly. Park on the open ridge where the trail drops down to the right (south; with four-wheel drive, it is possible to descend to the river, but this does not provide much of an advantage). Hike down the north side of the ridge toward Big Rock. There is a trail in the drainage which will take you to the Platte River. When the river is low, it is possible to wade across to the easy trail on the other side. After gaining the trail, turn left (downstream) until under the rock. If you want to avoid getting wet, scramble up and down along the river (downstream) until you get to a giant boulder choke in the river just below Big Rock. Crossing here requires some boulder hopping and dicey friction above rushing water (rock shoes needed? and unbuckle your pack's waist belt). Either way, the short remaining distance to the toe of Big Rock is all too obvious.

The ancillary summit on the right is Gum Drop Spire, separated from Big Rock by an obvious deep, smooth chimney. The route Childhood's End begins near the entrance to the chimney. The route Field of Dreams climbs the prominent prow up the center of Big Rock. The smooth prow right of the chimney on Gum Drop Spire is Sweet Catastrophe.