Junction Rock  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Page Views:  485. Good page?    Administrators:  Ben Mottinger, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monomaniac, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Richard M. Wright on Jan 21, 2003 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event

The Russian Dolls line.

Description 

Junction rock is the lower formation looming above I 70 just West of the Empire turn-off. As a South facing crag it gets very good sun most of the day and is well enough protected that it misses much of the prevailing winds. This is not a great crag, but it does host a very steep crack and face system that could turn out to be very difficult. The main feature overhangs 35 degrees continuously for 80 feet. The rock is dirty to start and does need a lot of cleaning - typical of this sector of semi-high altitude granite - but once cleaned up the rock is very solid. Overall this crag may yield half a dozen routes of decent quality, and if it gets done, the crack and face would probably be three star quality. Presently (1/21/03) two lines have been done and these take two of the best features on the crag. On the right is a layback flake/roof/slab line at mid 11 or so, and on the left is a sweet (two star) blunt arete that climbs on terrible feet with a series of relentless crimps that produce a reasonably difficult line that has cleaned up well. Junction Rock is not a major destination, but once the main lines have been completed it will be worth a stop - particularly if you happened to be stalled out on I 70 traffic.

Getting There 

From I 70, take the exit for Empire/Winter Park. At the fork just off the highway, take the lane returning to I 70 West. Park on the right between signs or at a large pull out on the left at the Easter Seal Camp sign. The crag is obvious, on the right, and is best approached via the old miner's road.

The Classics

Featured Route For Junction Rock

Russian Dolls 5.11  CO : Empire : Junction Rock

Good varied climbing on solid stone, The Russian Dolls mixes in several nice features that finish on the slab above. It is named for the two gals at the gas station in Empire that could make buying a coke a sexy treat....[more]   Browse More Classics in CO