Guardian Rock  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Page Views:  1,131. Good page?    Administrators:  Ben Mottinger, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monomaniac, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Leo Paik on Feb 15, 2005 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue 84° | 54° 84° | 55° 82° | 55° 81° | 52° 82° | 54°

BETA PHOTO: North face.

Description 

Guardian Rock

This is a small, granitic rock lying just uphill from the Guard House, and on the opposite side of the road/river from Scout Rock in S. St. Vrain Canyon. Very close to the road yet feeling a bit wild with its vegetated underbrush, it lies about 3 1/2 miles from the intersection of Hwy 7 & US 36 in Lyons. It has been developed somewhat along its western face with at least 5 bolted sport climbs, 2 of which (Shuffling Madness, 11b & Weight of the World, 11b) are listed in P. Hubbel's Classic Rock Climbs No. 23 Lyons Area Colorado guidebook. This fairly-clean, W face can be nice on a sunny winter day. It certainly has room for development; however, its N face is fairly covered with lichen. Note there were & still are large, delicately balanced rocks perched on this rock to surprise the unwary.

Getting There 

From the plains, drive to Lyons along US 36 to the intersection of Hwy 7 & US 36 on the W side of Lyons. Head S & then W along US 36 to a straight-away about 3 1/2 miles. Park along a pullout below a house. The rock is obvious. From the highlands, head down Hwy 7 to near the bottom of the canyon past the Narrows, December Wall, past the Mushroom Massif. Cross the St. Vrain. Bushwhack up a short distance to the rock approaching either E or W (depending upon which route(s) are of interest) of the base of the N face. There is an mildly-interesting small rock arch below the E side of the N face. The underbrush is scratchy.

Featured Route For Guardian Rock

Rhino Rocket 5.8  CO : Lyons : ... : Guardian Rock

This line ascends the N face of Guardian Rock with an eye towards climbing along the conspicuous, proboscis-like feature. It gently traverses the N face, which turned out to be useful on the FA as some potentially-lethal, precariously-perched, rock exploded down this face. There is abundant lichen and delicate flakes here. Micro-adventure close to the road! Simon wanted to climb this rock, so here is the line. Not as good as Eric Couldn't Come. Tape recommended.From the plains, drive to Ly...[more]   Browse More Classics in CO