Thumb Rock

BETA PHOTO: c.10x from trailhead

Description 

This is the name for this rock known to the Sheep Lakes volunteers in RMNP. It may be known by other names. The current guidebooks seem to carry no information about this rock. Nonetheless, it is a clearly visible, modest-sized chunk of granite closest to the Lawn Lakes Trailhead. It has some vague resemblance to a famous modern (?Picasso) sculpture seen in Chicago. This rock may have been climbed previously, but no obvious evidence of prior climbing was visible on the prominent prow, the line that calls to the heart of the moderate explorer who may be sitting with his/her kids looking for bighorn sheep at the Sheep Lakes pullout.

There is certainly plenty of rock to play upon and explore here. The rock is about 600 feet tall with a lower 200 ft apron and a 400 ft upper section, accessible from a ledge above the apron or via a line on the apron. While the rock purist with turn a nose as there are few directissimas here, this can be a fun but limited diversion from MacGregor, Deer Mt, or even Lumpy. The left side offers some steeper lines. The prow is the line that drew our attention.

Getting There 

To approach, enter the Fall River entrance (N entrance or US Hwy 34 from Estes Park). Start at the Lawn Lake Trailhead, hike up to the beginning of the 7th switchback. The first 2 switchbacks are very short. As you begin this 7th switchback, the rock comes into view. Proceed up the slope crisscrossed with game trails. Find your way up this slope to the back of the rock. Expect a 45 minute approach.

The descent from the rock is probably best to walk off to the right back to the base.

The Classics