Mountain Project Logo

South Platte Climbing: The Thunder Ridge and Turkey Rock edition - GUIDEBOOK REVIEW

Original Post
Wiled Horse · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2002 · Points: 3,669

About six years ago Jason Haas and Ben Schneider shared with me and a few others an epic project they were scheming: a new South Platte climbing guidebook. I was overwhelmed with the idea, knowing how much my good friend Pete had poured into covering this vast region. The thought alone of a trying to cram a tome of that magnitude into an already heavy Platte pack was exhausting enough. Logically the answer was to tackle it by releasing it in volumes - Lord of the Rings style. A few long years later, Fixed Pin Publishing set a new standard with South Platte Climbing, The Northern Volume.

And now Jason-the-Power-Haas has returned to author the Two Towers second installment of the trilogy, South Platte Climbing: The Thunder Ridge and Turkey Rock edition, for only $25. I’d say if the Northern Volume opened the heart of the South Platte, this new volume takes a peak into its soul. From the die-hard traditional training grounds jamming and camming into the cracks of Turkey Rocks, to the proud climbers’ paradise of Thunder Ridge, or running it out up the inspiring and intimidating giant of Big Rock Candy Mountain, and everything in between; Jason guides you to many of the most iconic and historic Colorado routes like Whimsical Dreams, Gobblers Grunt, Is This For Real, Starlight, Shock Treatment, or Childhood’s End. These and about a thousand more routes span the 170 pages. The font size is a little small for my aging eyes, though you get your money’s worth of information in a compact sized guide to slip into the pack.

All the full-service Fixed Pin guidebook features are standard, including full-color photo topos – some crags shot at multiple angles, thorough descriptions for nearly all the routes, hit lists, complete approach beta; GPS data if you need it, and action photos that make your palms sweat. Front and back cover flaps mark your page, as well as hold notes of your own. Historical anecdotes and essays by several of the Platte’s main players add a crucial touch of perspective. I was delighted to see Cheyney’s original guide For Turkeys Only was heavily referenced to keep its spirit alive. Pete Williams’ account of his and Peter Gallagher’s ascents of Big Rock modestly describes their “small successes interspersed by epic failures”. Kevin McLaughlin’s “Early Days” really captures the changing trend of “secret crags”, like Thunder, becoming a shared treasure.

I have been fortunate with many of my experiences in the South Platte, especially in the early days cutting my teeth at Turkey Rocks, mentored by some of the locals and Platte legends. They showed me the approaches, which routes were which and when was the best time of year to climb them, rappel and descent beta, as well as stories from the good ol’ days. They gave recommendations for the best routes based on my skill level. I was inspired watching them climb and be reminded to sometimes stop, look around, feel the wind on my face, and remember why we were there. I learned to appreciate traditional ethics and old school techniques along with old school ratings. I don’t know if these kinds of partnerships are fostered any more these days, but Jason’s edition of South Platte Climbing may be the next best thing.

-Darren Mabe
October, 2014

Wally · · Denver · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 0

Awesome, thanks Darren! Looking forward to getting the new guide!

Hiro Protagonist · · Colorado · Joined Apr 2012 · Points: 290

Exciting! I often pour over the North Vol looking at all the places I have to go and the long approach numbers. Too bad we're about to jump info winter! And that all future volumes will be even a long drive for me. :)

Scott McMahon · · Boulder, CO · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 1,425
Hiro wrote:Exciting! I often pour over the North Vol looking at all the places I have to go and the long approach numbers. Too bad we're about to jump info winter! And that all future volumes will be even a long drive for me. :)
Good for the table to plot and drink over...I got my pre-order
Wally · · Denver · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 0

Hiro - I have spent many a winter day climbing in the Platte in a t-shirt.

Wally

goatboy · · Nederland, CO · Joined Jan 2008 · Points: 30

Looking forward to this, thanks for the heads up.

Wally wrote:Hiro - I have spent many a winter day climbing in the Platte in a t-shirt. Wally
I climbed on Sheeps Nose and hiked in to Turkey Rocks almost every weekend one winter when I lived in the Springs. It's like the banana belt down there, even when it snows it melts off pretty fast.
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Climbing Gear Reviews
Post a Reply to "South Platte Climbing: The Thunder Ridge and Tu…"

Log In to Reply

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.