Hmmm. This is a intriguing little granite spire in the higher parts of Golden Gate Canyon SP. As you drive along the road past Panorama Point toward the Lazy Squaw Ranch, this little spire will call out to you. It is obvious from the road. This is different in shape than your classic Castle Rock type spire. It appears contorted and resemble a corkscrew. You will just wonder whether it has been climbed before. Well...it has. By one of the early climbers based upon the fixed hardware on the rock. Perhaps Layton? Rap 80 feet from fixed gear on top.
Getting There
From Golden, head N on CO Hwy 93, then W on Golden Gate Canyon Rd, perhaps 18 miles to the park, go to Kriley Pond, turn R and follow a switchbacked road to a gravel road. Follow the sign to Panorama Point. Continue briefly up this same gravel road. Crest a small saddle and find Lazy Squaw Ranch on your L. Park some place legal. The spire is obvious. Get a decent bearing since you will lose sight of the spire most of the time while in the forest. Hike up the hill (perhaps NW?, right angle from the road) 20 minutes or so. Definitely a micro-explore. You can go cross country from here to the 2nd buttress of Mt. Thorodin with perhaps an additional 30 minutes jaunt L. If you do this, follow the blunt crest back to the road and walk on the road to your car.
Don't park here...even if you're not blocking the gate. There are no signs that say "NO Parking" but you will still get a ticket like I just did, $50 fucking dollars. Park at Panorama Point and then make the long hike in.
Print a Mini-Guide - Includes Routes!
RSS Feed
Slideshow
