Staying in Denver first week of August

Wife and I are taking a trip that direction and wanting to get in a lot of quality fun routes while we are there. I lead up to 12b/c in the Southeast (steep sandstone) she leads 10c/d and follows 11+. We are wanting to stay in our comfort zone to tick all the moderates we can hit. Hardest route at this point is 11a. We are staying in Capitol Hill, have a car, bringing at least two crash pads and a 70m. No trad gear, but comfortable doing multi-pitch if its worth the epicness. Also always looking for food/drink suggestions, I have a list of eats/drinks, but the sheer amount of breweries is overwhelming.

We are in town August 2nd and leaving after breakfast August 7th.

Our tick list so far is:

First day (acclimation) Lincoln Lake Bouldering, explore Mount Evans. Friend of ours suggested this place said a lot of the routes are great and better than the other areas on the mountain. Looking to boulder up to about V4 since just getting to elevation from Knoxville, TN.

Rest Day in Denver

Second day on, third day in town.
CCC: Playin Hooky, Guppy, Furlough then move to Canal Zone and do Made in the Shade, Walking with a Ghost, Ivy League, Panama Red, and Bears Choice/Box of Rain.

Does that sound reasonable?

Next day is Boulder Canyon, and I am a little lost here and can't figure out where the best concentration of routes would be. So far:

Young and Rackless in the Blob Area, then eat lunch and Head to Sport Park. Looking for route suggestions here, prefer chill approach up to mid 10s for the most part as we are trying to get in a lot of good routes instead of projecting.

Third day on, heading to Morrison to boulder:

Three Sisters area in the morning hitting chill V2/3 and looking for a classic 4/5 to work as well. Not sure of what is worth doing there as not familar. Going to grab lunch at Beau Jo's Pizza (is it any good/whats better) then drive to The Dark Side to work Squirming Coil. Need some other suggestions for there as well.

Any places we should cut or add? Boulder problems to do etc, or anything that we just can't miss while we are in town on our rest day.

A few things to consider:

Mount Evans is at high elevation and my not be the best choice for your acclimation day.

Morrison bouldering can be quite hot this time of year. Time that so it's early or late when you are there. Three sisters is a better mid-day choice. It's higher up and has some shade.

You may want to consider going to Devil's Head instead of CCC if you like sport climbing. CCC is fun, but Devil's Head is just spectacular and not much farther from Denver.

I would agree with Plantmandan.

You might want to switch up days 1 and 3. Going up to Mt Evans your first day in CO might not be the best idea, unless you guys are uber-hydrated and good at altitude. If it were me, I'd sport climb in CCC or Bocan and then 2nd or 3rd day head up to Evans.

Devil's Head is a great alternative to CCC or Bocan, and at a higher altitude so be aware of that (about 9000ft or so.) You can climb to the top of the fire tower there and have a great view of the front range. I also agree with the recommendation of going to 3 Sisters instead of Morrison, or if you do go to Morrison stay on the north side where it will be shaded.

While in CCC, I would also recommend Wall of the 90s. Canal Zone is convenient but just kinda OK. Bocan has lots of fun stuff, just depends on what you are looking for. The Avalon walls and Animal World are always favorites of mine.

My favorite restaurant is in the Highlands--Root Down. Check it out. There are about a gazillion incredible restaurants in that area and downtown. Have fun exploring!

I'd consider replacing Lincoln Lake with Guanella Pass. Guanella has a wider range of moderate boulders (most aren't listed here on MP or in other areas) that are very accessible (roadside or short walk). Lincoln Lake is a steep hike, it's fun, but it might be a bit much and most I saw when I was there was of a higher grade. I'd also agree with the other two posts, to move the higher altitude climbing off of day one.

I'd second Morrison being too hot this time of year. Evergreen (Three Sisters) is hot enough these days and well higher up, but a good choice with a wide variety of climbs (and well listed here on MP).

Brewery wise, Cannonball Creek is the best one out in Golden, but Golden City (outdoor beer garden) and Barrels and Bottles (food and good guest taps) are also worthwhile.

In Boulder, I'd consider Mountain Sun (the Southern Sun version is my preference) and up north in Boulder the new Avery is tremendous. Both have solid food options as well.

Denver has so many good ones, you're not far from places like Coda, Fiction, River North, Mockery, LowDown and Jagged Mountain. Most any brewery will at least be decent, with many being good and plenty being great out here.

Have a fun trip!

It may now be open, but the road to Lincoln Lake was closed for construction (I think) earlier in the year. It's also not the best place for moderates. I'd argue that Guanella too is better at V6 and up, but there are moderates within a 2 minute walk from the car. Check out 27 crags for limited beta not found on MP, or just ask someone there.

Don't go to Canal Zone. Wall of the 90's is a better suggestion, especially if you stretch up to mid 11. While CCC isn't nearly as scenic, I think the classics are much better than those at Devil's Head (at least at 12 and up, so maybe disregard).

Although in the burbs, hit up Yak and Yeti for an amazing Indian buffet and brewery in a cool old Victorian house (Arvada).

If you decide on hitting CCC, I would rethink Guppy as it's not really "next" to furlough or playing hooky. You have to walk back around to the road and walk down to the high tree Tyrolean to get to this route. Not really worth the energy unless you have your eye on the other binge side routes.

The problem with CCC and BoCan will be chasing the shade if it is hot and sunny (most likely). I agree do not go to Canal Zone, not worth it at all if you are from out of town.

If you really want to get on a good climb I would suggest The Brown Palace. Although it is about 2 hours from Denver it is a great 6 pitch sport route that is harder than Playing hooky and Young and the Rackless and really just more inspiring all around.

Parker Wrozek wrote: If you really want to get on a good climb I would suggest The Brown Palace. Although it is about 2 hours from Denver it is a great 6 pitch sport route that is harder than Playing hooky and Young and the Rackless and really just more inspiring all around.

Jonathan Petsch wrote: Agreed. Brown Palace is my favorite multipitch sport route in the front range, and at 11a its definitely more interesting than the 5.8 and 5.9 multipitch routes on your list. Cool summit too. mountainproject.com/v/the-b…