Crosswinds Rock Climbing
Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.
Elevation: | 10,000 ft |
GPS: |
40.3056, -105.5232 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
Page Views: | 10,872 total · 65/month |
Shared By: | Jonathan Siegrist on Jul 16, 2010 |
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
Just a short hike North of Wizard's Gate and Castaway Crag lies a large free-standing pillar with a tall, bulging west face that features a variety of unique sport climbs. Crosswinds exhibits a number of new routes (along with some classics) that will stretch your rope and test your capacity for burl. Most of the routes have good rests (or full on bivy ledges), but in-turn provide stout boulder problems. At just above 10,000 feet, nestled in a sea of open talus, Crosswinds is mostly exposed to the elements and can feel quite alpine at times. Expect full, uninterrupted sunlight on a clear day after 1-2pm. The views are absolutely stunning.
Getting There
Begin the approach as you would for Wizard's Gate. Just after entering the final talus below the Lower Great Face, break hard left and follow a cairn path around the lowest point of Castaway Crag and across some talus far below the Upper Great Face to find the free-standing Crosswinds. (Can't be missed.)
Adds about 5 minutes to the approach compared to Wizards, and it can be reached from Wizards by simply hugging the cliff and walking north until you pass below Castaway- then break straight across the talus (this takes around 5-10 minutes).
Adds about 5 minutes to the approach compared to Wizards, and it can be reached from Wizards by simply hugging the cliff and walking north until you pass below Castaway- then break straight across the talus (this takes around 5-10 minutes).
Classic Climbing Routes at Crosswinds
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
Weather Averages
High
|
Low
|
Precip
|
Days w Precip
|
Prime Climbing Season
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Photos
All Photos Within Crosswinds
Most Popular · Newest · RandomMore About Crosswinds
Printer-FriendlyWhat's New
Guidebooks (10)
8 Comments