Fall River Road (US 34 West)

Description 

This is a section of the Estes Park Valley which lies along US 34, a.k.a. Fall River Rd aka Wonderview. Along this road, west of Estes Park lies an abundance of small crags and the occasional larger crag. Some, if not most, lie on National Park land. Numerous of these are located on private property or accessed through private property. So, check first and/or keep a low profile unless you are clearly on public lands.

Most of the rock along this stretch is granitic on various domes and outcrops up to 900 ft long. The majority of the routes are consequently slabby in nature; however, you can find vertical to overhanging stretches in spots.

Much of this is less-traveled and nestled in the forests, so you can find peace and solitude if you like to explore.

Some of the crags along this stretch include the better known, but still backwater crags, like North Face of Deer Mountain and McGregor Slab. Some of the more obscure here include Window Rock, Castle Rock, Old Man Mt, Owlette, SPlatte Rock, Thumb Rock, rocks along the hillside east of Thumb Rock, and many, many more. While there is certainly room for FAs, many of these rocks have been scaled and little trace has been left here. So, if you come here, enjoy but consider the "leave no trace" ethic here. Note, some of this is mountain lion country, so be careful if you bring your kids or pets.

Getting There 

Fall River Road is also known as US 34, Wonderview, and of course, Fall River Rd. This is located between Estes Park and the Alpine Visitor Center in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are many crags dotting the hillsides both North and South of the road. To get here from Denver, go North on I-25, go NW on US 36 through the towns of Boulder, Lyons, to Estes Park. From the junction of US 36 and US 34 (stoplight), go straight onto US 34, pass the Stanley Hotel and start to look for your crag of choice.

The Classics

Featured Route For Fall River Road (US 34 West)

Nun's Buttress 5.8  CO : Estes Park Valley : ... : Deer Ridge Buttress

The route, as good as almost any route of the grade that I've done at Lumpy, starts behind and obvious spire at the base of the cliff, toward the east side.P1 - Traverse out right onto an obvious, clean prow reminsicent of Cob Rock. Find 5.8 hand cracks on immaculate granite that lead to a belay ledge.P2 - Climb the left facing corner to a belay (5.7).P3 - Head up a 5.7 slab and belay on lower angle terrain.P4 - Finish things off with moderate m...[more]   Browse More Classics in CO