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The Crags Rock Climbing
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| Elevation: | 10,032 ft |
| GPS: |
40.30559, -105.52314 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
| Page Views: | 290,758 total · 1,071/month |
| Shared By: | Leo Paik on Dec 28, 2001 · Updates |
| Admins: | Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC |
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.
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
This is a beautiful area with alpinish rock on the West face of Twin Sisters that catches your eyes as you drive south from Estes on CO Hwy 7. There are many crags. The rock is rough granite & gneiss. There are a mix of some traditional routes and some new sport development with lots of potential. The routes vary from 30 feet to 4 pitches here. The beautiful setting and a vigorous but enjoyable hike will fill your senses. Some might say the walk is not worth it; for those, climb elsewhere. You may even get lost for a while in here, but that is part of the experience. Note, there is some hunting allowed on the south side of the mountain in the fall.
One advantage here is that you can often watch the weather coming in from the west.
One advantage here is that you can often watch the weather coming in from the west.
Getting There
South of Estes Park on CO Hwy 7 above the Lily Lake Visitor Center. Park past the red Baldpate Inn for the northern rocks or up the dirt road past the visitor's center. Hike up hill 45-60 minutes.
Per Dana Prosser: the best way to approach the north areas is to turn into parking across from Lily Lake. Instead of going in to lot, continue on the road (heading south), and park where the dirt road ends. Start hiking on signed Twin Sister's trail, and look for faint trail at the first switchback that takes off from the main trail. This winds up through the forest to talus below Lower Great Face.
Per Bob Siegrist: during summer 2018, route development at the Woodstone and Half and Half crags resulted in nearly a dozen new sport routes. This also resulted in a path through the woods on U.S. Gov't. land from the overflow parking for Lily Lake. The hike to Woodstone and Half and Half can now be done via a mellow path through the woods without crossing any private property. It takes about 30 to 35 minutes to hike up and only 20 to 25 minutes to hike down. Bob Siegrist posted an approach map and description on the MP pages for those crags.
Per Dana Prosser: the best way to approach the north areas is to turn into parking across from Lily Lake. Instead of going in to lot, continue on the road (heading south), and park where the dirt road ends. Start hiking on signed Twin Sister's trail, and look for faint trail at the first switchback that takes off from the main trail. This winds up through the forest to talus below Lower Great Face.
Per Bob Siegrist: during summer 2018, route development at the Woodstone and Half and Half crags resulted in nearly a dozen new sport routes. This also resulted in a path through the woods on U.S. Gov't. land from the overflow parking for Lily Lake. The hike to Woodstone and Half and Half can now be done via a mellow path through the woods without crossing any private property. It takes about 30 to 35 minutes to hike up and only 20 to 25 minutes to hike down. Bob Siegrist posted an approach map and description on the MP pages for those crags.
EMS kit & Stokes litter info
On August 11, 2022, an EMS kit and Stokes litter were placed at The Crags as a resource for emergency medical situations. The EMS kit and litter are located next to a tree in the talus below Wizard’s Gate (elevation 10,140 feet., GPS coordinates: 40.30285N, 105.52467W). The location is approximately 300 feet North of the route, Wizard’s Path. The EMS kit contains emergency contacts, diagnostic devices, bandages, and splints but no medications or narcotics of any kind. Please respect this resource, and use it for emergencies only and not for routine medical purposes. In the event of an emergency and use of any materials and supplies in the EMS kit, please contact the current custodian, Bob Siegrist and the EMS kit will be restocked (email: siegrist@mines.edu, cell: 303.359.8427).
Classic Climbing Routes at The Crags
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
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