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GPS: 40.3056, -105.5232
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
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Shared By: Leo Paik on Aug 10, 2002 · Updates
Admins: Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC
Warning Access Issue: Area Closure ended but timed entry permits are REQUIRED DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

Perhaps one of the more popular of the crags/spires of The Crags. This lies above Slot Rock, below Gray Slab, and further down and left of the Upper Great Face towards the left/middle of The Crags. Routes were climbed here since the 1950s. Alpine in feel but subalpine in approach and altitude, this crag provides 1-3 pitch treats on every face. All descents are by rappel or 5th class. You can watch the weather as from all these rocks you can easily peer westward. For a less crowded experience, come visit....

Getting There Suggest change

From Estes Park, drive south on CO Hwy 7 to the Lily Lake visitor center. Drive uphill and past this V.C. to the west and then quickly turn north on the road to the Baldpate Inn. Drive past the Inn, park at the end of the road. Best to have a guidebook with pictures (Kimball's, Rossiter's, or Gillett's). Hike up this same blocked off road perhaps a 1/4 to 1/2 mile. Head uphill through lightly forested slopes. When the trees clear, the challenge of figuring which rock is which comes next. The lowest of the crags are Rib Rock on the left (N) and Slot Rock on the right (S). This crag lies just uphill from Slot Rock. Hike around the left (N) side of Slot Rock. Plan on 45-75 min to approach depending on your urgency.

Descent

Suggest change

Per David A. Turner: there is a new rap anchor on top of southeast side which is part of The Golden Staircase, but it easy to get to from the top of any Sharkfin route. One rap with 60 meter rope gets you down.

Per Robert Scrivner: an additional rap anchor was added in Spring 2020 atop the N. Face.

13 Total Climbs

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Location: Sharksfin Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at Sharksfin

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 5
Loan Shark
Trad
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 22
North Face
Trad 2 pitches
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 7
Religious Zealot
Trad, TR
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
 5
Blood in the Water
Trad, Sport 3 pitches
5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b PG13
 7
The Megalodon
Trad
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b
 7
Walking with the Pope
Sport
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Loan Shark
 5
5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad
North Face
 22
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad 2 pitches
Religious Zealot
 7
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Trad, TR
Blood in the Water
 5
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b Trad, Sport 3 pitches
The Megalodon
 7
5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b PG13 Trad
Walking with the Pope
 7
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b Sport
More Classic Climbs in Sharksfin »

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