The Freight Train Boulder Climbing
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GPS: |
39.92511, -105.33782 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
Page Views: | 23,275 total · 147/month |
Shared By: | Mark Roth on Apr 22, 2011 · Updates |
Admins: | Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC |
Access Issue: 2023 Seasonal Closures - lifted
Details
Update: as of 6/7/23 per Mike McHugh, ECSP: all closures have been lifted within Eldorado Canyon State Park, including Continental Crag.
Crags on Eldorado Mountain, such as Mickey Mouse wall and Cryptic Crags, are outside of park boundaries and may still be subject to Boulder County closures.
Previously in 2023: per M. McHugh, ECSP: the upper loop of the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail, above the Crags Hotel Ruin, & the
Continental Divide Overlook, is closed effective immediately. This included Continental Crag.
These areas are closed to all activities, including rock climbing & hiking, through 7/15 or until further notice, to protect nesting golden eagles on the S side of the canyon.
Golden Eagles are protected by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service under authority of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. A conviction of nest disturbance can carry a fine to $5,000 & one year imprisonment.
See the map in the photo section for terrain closure.
Previous years: per Dustin Bergman, CO State Parks Officer #770, ECSP:
Seasonal Raptor Closures
Check Park site for current closures:
cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/…
For more info visit:
cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/…
Double check prior to venturing there. Thanks!
Crags on Eldorado Mountain, such as Mickey Mouse wall and Cryptic Crags, are outside of park boundaries and may still be subject to Boulder County closures.
Previously in 2023: per M. McHugh, ECSP: the upper loop of the Rattlesnake Gulch Trail, above the Crags Hotel Ruin, & the
Continental Divide Overlook, is closed effective immediately. This included Continental Crag.
These areas are closed to all activities, including rock climbing & hiking, through 7/15 or until further notice, to protect nesting golden eagles on the S side of the canyon.
Golden Eagles are protected by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service under authority of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. A conviction of nest disturbance can carry a fine to $5,000 & one year imprisonment.
See the map in the photo section for terrain closure.
Previous years: per Dustin Bergman, CO State Parks Officer #770, ECSP:
Seasonal Raptor Closures
Check Park site for current closures:
cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/…
For more info visit:
cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/…
Double check prior to venturing there. Thanks!
Description
This is a big south-facing granite boulder up by the western end of the park, and, you guessed it, it kind of looks like a train car. Also, it is close enough to the tracks to justify its name, but luckily it is within Eldorado Canyon State Park. Logically, this area should be organized with the other granite areas nearby, but they all seem to suffer from various access issues. The areas near Gross Reservoir are closed for security reasons, and the stuff near Walker Ranch is Boulder Open Space which doesn't allow off trail hiking....
This great boulder has about 20 fun problems with pretty flat landings in a beautiful, remote setting. The only drawback is the odyssey required to reach this solitary boulder. If there is not enough here for your day, you could always check out the bouldering @ Golden Gate State Park or even stop off on Flagstaff (if you drive that way).
This great boulder has about 20 fun problems with pretty flat landings in a beautiful, remote setting. The only drawback is the odyssey required to reach this solitary boulder. If there is not enough here for your day, you could always check out the bouldering @ Golden Gate State Park or even stop off on Flagstaff (if you drive that way).
Getting There
The boulder is a short hike from the Crescent Meadow trail head on Gross Damn Road. There are a few ways to get here including: driving over Flagstaff, hiking up from the lower canyon, or even by bike (it's a short ride off of the Walker Ranch loop).
I'll just describe the easiest and fastest way:
Approach from trail head (about 10 minutes):
This differs from directions on other sites....
Walk North toward the Walker Ranch loop and take a right. As you head East, an old road forks off to the right. Follow this across the meadow as it contours around the hill until you are heading South toward the tracks. This road parallels the road you can see on the hillside, but stays 100 yards downhill from it. There is a cairn on the right where you leave this road. At this point, you are directly East of the boulder and can see it.... I have tried all possible approaches, and although this SEEMS farther, it was by far the fastest and easiest way. And even better, it avoids fragile environments and private property. Thanks to Mike McHugh for showing the way....
I'll just describe the easiest and fastest way:
- South on CO 93 from Boulder (because that's where all boulderers live)
- Zero your odometer @ the intersection of Coal Creek Canyon (CO 72) and CO Hwy 93. Drive west up the canyon for 7.5 miles.
- Turn right on Crescent Park Drive (liquor store on the left). Follow this for 1 mile around an S turn.
- At the T, turn right onto Gross Damn Road (dirt).
- After you cross the RR Tracks, look for the parking lot on the right. This is technically in the park, but you don't require a park pass....
Approach from trail head (about 10 minutes):
This differs from directions on other sites....
Walk North toward the Walker Ranch loop and take a right. As you head East, an old road forks off to the right. Follow this across the meadow as it contours around the hill until you are heading South toward the tracks. This road parallels the road you can see on the hillside, but stays 100 yards downhill from it. There is a cairn on the right where you leave this road. At this point, you are directly East of the boulder and can see it.... I have tried all possible approaches, and although this SEEMS farther, it was by far the fastest and easiest way. And even better, it avoids fragile environments and private property. Thanks to Mike McHugh for showing the way....
Classic Climbing Routes at The Freight Train Boulder
Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
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