Whirlpool Rock

Getting ready to climb.

Description 

This cliff is a little gem above the well-known delinquent-teen (among others) cliff jumping hotspot "The Devil's Punchbowl." Cool spot, couple hundred yards past Passwalls on the left(if driving from Aspen). Exquisite trad & mixed routes, weird, funky route-finding, Steep! Beautiful boulder problem in the talus field below the crag, high-start arete.

Highlights include Cohen's Crown (9) on the left-center, starting up the gaping chimney, and Flexible Flyer (10c?) just right of the prow. Amazing climb! Beautiful corner with "interesting" gear through a few roofs, to a sexy black headwall with a single bolt. Friggin excellent. Flying Dutchman (11c) is really good too, especially with the bouldery jump-start just left of Flexible. Enjoy!

This cliff is steep and beautiful, with hard to find gear instead of the usual tedious bolt-ladders.

Getting There 

Park at the devil's Punchbowl, and punch it across the road and up to the swirly shields of Whirlpool Rock towering obviously above. 5 minute approach.

The Classics

Featured Route For Whirlpool Rock

Aqua Man 5.11c  CO : Independence Pass : Whirlpool Rock

This is an amazing DWS. It starts low down by the water on a sloper rail and very poor feet that are slippery from the water. Do a few bouldery moves to the crux where you have get a high foot and then stretch to get next sloper. Match on the sloper work you feet up and top out. Super Fun!!!...[more]   Browse More Classics in CO