Switchback Crags  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Lat, Long:  40.4339, -105.4598 Map Page Views:  2,023. Good page? (1 like)    Administrators:  Ben Mottinger, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monomaniac, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Adam Paashaus on Jul 24, 2010 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event

MORE INFO >>> Sheep Mountain may have raptor closure issues. Please contact RMNP for further details. This information is a public crowdsourcing effort between the Access Fund, and Mountain Project. You should confirm closures, restrictions, and/or related dates. Keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment

Main wall. Short, but great climbing on a great qu...

Description 

The rock at the main crag is like NOTHING else in the Estes Valley. A glacially polished, near vertical, granite wall with some amazing slopey pockets worn into the polish and a few splitters of great quality make for short but exposed, aesthetic, and fun moderate climbing. This area is located on the way to Glen Haven from Estes Park at the bottom of the last switchback on the right (South) side of the road. There are numerous 1st ascents(?) waiting to be done. The short approach and afternoon sun makes this a great place to check out after work for those living in Estes or a nice, easy afternoon of fun climbing for those visiting.

Getting There 

From Estes, drive toward Glen Haven on CR 43 until you reach obvious steep switchbacks. After the last switchback there are a couple places to park on the long straightaway (depending on which crag you are going to). Hike uphill on the right(south) side of the road (no trail).

The Classics

Featured Route For Switchback Crags

Blank Face (TR) 5.10b/c R  CO : Estes Park Valley : ... : Left Crag (Main)

Climb the face up and slightly left using small sloping divots in the polish to the diagonal crack and finish on "Prime Real Estate Crack". This route has not yet been lead. The lack of any gear till you get through the tough climbing (25 feet?) would make this a scary lead....[more]   Browse More Classics in CO