Wolcott Crags are an excellent leg-stretching stopping point on any I-70 trip since access is very short and the climbing is varied and interesting. The crags are located above I-70 near the town of Wolcott. These short cliffs are Dakota Sandstone and very good for top ropes and easy trad climbing. There are several bolted sport routes although some of questionable safety due to potential rockfall. The First Tier is five minutes from the road and the Second Tier offers some decent trad and bolted routes for a 20 minute hike. There are some good boulders and camping as well. The south facing crags are often open for climbing all winter long.
Getting There
From I-70 east or west take the Wolcott/Highway 131 exit and head west on Highway 6. Approximately 1/2 mile past the Wolcott Yacht Club (great eats and drinks) a small pull-out provides parking for the First Tier. There is a house with large windows on top of this crag. Cross the Eagle River on an old railroad bridge and follow the trails to one of two crags.
For the Second Tier and the boulders continue on Highway 6 for a mile or so until you reach a fee camping area. The boulders are right at the parking lot and the Second Tier is above to the west. Find your way across another old railway bridge east of the campsites and follow the tracks west to a trail that heads up the hill to the base of the crag.
Just an access FYI. The Wolcott crags are on private land. Until now, the homeowner was fine with climbers....But he is selling his house!!! The new owners may not be as cool, so keep a low profile.
Wolcott Crags and Boulders
Printer Friendly View
RSS Feed
