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Elevation: 5,500 ft
GPS: 39.9304, -105.283
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Shared By: Leo Paik on Mar 20, 2006
Admins: Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC
Warning Access Issue: 2023 Seasonal Closures - lifted DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

The Bastille is a cornerstone of climbing in Eldorado Canyon State Park. According to P. Ament in High Over Boulder this was once called Chimney Rock and may have been named The Bastille by Stan Shepard in 1957. This is the section for the W Face. There is probably little for the lower end difficulty climber nor the high end climber here. The section of the crag provides a wonderful afternoon exposure for the cooler months. Topping out provides a wonderous view of this spirit-elevating canyon.

The legendary, Jim Erickson, elevated himself to the challenge of an onsight, solo, first ascent of Blind Faith on the W face. Today, this remains a crag that holds a special place in the hearts of climbers who have progressed to climb some of the great walls and peaks of the world.

This crag has been a proving grounds for some of Colorado's finest including: Layton Kor, Larry Dalke, Pat Ament, Bob Culp, Stan Shepard, Jim Erickson, Art Higbee, Duncan Ferguson, Kevin Donald, Rob Candelaria, Roger Briggs, David Breashears, Derek Hersey, Ed Webster, Colin Lantz, Chris Archer, among others.

Some of the better routes here include: West Chimney, 5.7; Hair City, 5.9 s; West Buttress, 5.9++; Blind Faith, 5.10a; Rain, 5.10d s; Northwest Corner (see N Face), 5.11a s; Sunset Boulevard, 5.11b/c; & Your Mother, 5.12d.

Note, there is significant amounts of loose rock & flexing flakes on this face.

Descents off the top traverse along an exposed-at-times break/ramp near the top to the N side of the rock and gain a 3rd class ramp down to the Fowler Trail. From here, descend the West Face hiking trail (3rd class near the bottom) back down to the base. A few of the routes have rappel descents, but they are the minority.

Come and climb here, but realize that many share your passion for the experiences found on this stone.

Getting There Suggest change

Once you enter Eldorado Canyon State Park, you will hopefully find parking within 200 yards in one of two areas. Park. Walk up the road to the obvious bridge across South Boulder Creek. Look up and left. This is The Bastille. The west face is accessed off a 3rd class trail just around the corner and up the steep slope. Be careful in wet conditions, with little ones and, please, no dogs here.

28 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

Location: The Bastille - W Face Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at The Bastille - W Face

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 177
West Arete
Trad 2 pitches
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c PG13
 8
Blind Side
Trad 2 pitches
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 240
Breakfast in Bed
Trad
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a R
 97
Out to Lunge
Trad 2 pitches
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a R
 493
Hair City
Trad 3 pitches
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a PG13
 5
Out to Lunge ... with Dessert
Trad
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 837
Blind Faith
Trad 2 pitches
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 418
West Buttress
Trad 3 pitches
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b R
 111
Rain
Trad
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c R
 15
Neon Lights
Trad 2 pitches
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
 99
West Face
Trad 2 pitches
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
 249
Sunset Boulevard
Sport
5.11c/d 7a 24 VIII 25 E4 6a PG13
 7
In Plain Sight
Trad
5.12d 7c 28 IX 28 E6 6b
 73
Your Mother
Sport
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
West Arete
 177
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad 2 pitches
Blind Side
 8
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c PG13 Trad 2 pitches
Breakfast in Bed
 240
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad
Out to Lunge
 97
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a R Trad 2 pitches
Hair City
 493
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a R Trad 3 pitches
Out to Lunge ... with Dessert
 5
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a PG13 Trad
Blind Faith
 837
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Trad 2 pitches
West Buttress
 418
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Trad 3 pitches
Rain
 111
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b R Trad
Neon Lights
 15
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c R Trad 2 pitches
West Face
 99
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Trad 2 pitches
Sunset Boulevard
 249
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c Sport
In Plain Sight
 7
5.11c/d 7a 24 VIII 25 E4 6a PG13 Trad
Your Mother
 73
5.12d 7c 28 IX 28 E6 6b Sport
More Classic Climbs in The Bastille - W Face »

Sun & Shade Suggest change

Routes Mostly Face: Southwest · West
Sunny Roughly 11am to 8pm during high season
6am
8pm
Details: Most routes are in the sun by late morning, though the classic Blind Faith is more tucked in. In the winter, the sun barely makes it down this far in the canyon, but can hit it in mid-afternoon.

Weather Averages

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Prime Climbing Season
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