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Clear Creek Canyon and Estes Park Beta

Original Post
Dan Pizzillo · · Denver, CO · Joined Aug 2012 · Points: 5

My wife and I are going to be in CO next week, and we'll be staying at Golden Gate Canyon campground for a couple of days (7/30 and 7/31) and then head up to Estes Park Campground for a couple more (8/1 and 8/2).

We're looking to get on stuff in the 5.10/5.11 range sport, and up to 5.9 trad--not much of a strong preference toward one or the other.

I was planning on climbing at Clear Creek Canyon while staying at Golden Gate Canyon (though I saw that there are some routes near the campground--just wasn't sure if they were worth getting on during our short stay). At Clear Creek, I was looking at Little Eiger and High Wire Crag, but not sure if those are good choices this time of year, and wasn't sure if I was missing out on better opportunities elsewhere.

I haven't done as much research about Estes Park, so any beta would be greatly appreciated!

I checked out the following guidebooks from the AAC library, if that has any bearing on where I should go:
-Rock climbing Rocky Mountain National Park (Rossiter)
-Golden Cliffs, Colorado (Hubbel)
-Lyons Area, Colorado (Hubbel)
-Clear Creek Canyon sport climber's guide (Rolofson)
-Rocky Mountain National Park: the climber's guide (Gillett)

Also, if you're going to be climbing in the areas while we're there and wouldn't mind showing us around, that would be awesome, and I'd be willing to return the favor if you visit NY and want to go to the Gunks (otherwise, I can offer beer, haha).

Thanks in advance!

Genericclimberguy · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2014 · Points: 1,631

Estes Park

For Sport climbing in Estes Park...Go to Jurassic Park. This crag has the highest density sport routes closest to Estes Park (5 minutes). If your there during the week, and can get there early enough, you may be able to get to the Edge of Time (5.9) first. There are a couple of 10s nearby...routes are single pitch...ranging from 40-90'. Worth climbing here with great views of Longs Peak.

Trad climbing...no brainer. Lumpy Ridge. Several climbs in your range...multipitch classics all over.

Steve Williams · · The state of confusion · Joined Jul 2005 · Points: 235

You probably don't want to consider Golden Cliffs/North Table Mountain
at this time of the year. It's worse than a blast furnace up there.

mountainhick · · Black Hawk, CO · Joined Mar 2009 · Points: 120

Dudes throne, more in the 5.11 range. Depending on what campground your staying at it may be just a walk, or a short drive: mountainproject.com/v/dudes…

From Golden Gate park, it's a short drive via Rt 119 peak to peak highway to the upper end of CCC. Read the route guide and pick your poison.

Dan Pizzillo · · Denver, CO · Joined Aug 2012 · Points: 5

Awesome! Thanks for the info!

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Colorado
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