Where Should I Climb in RMNP?

I've lived in CO for my whole life and I've been climbing for many years, yet for some reason I've never climbed in RMNP.

Where should I go? I have a trad rack, and I can use it, but I am NOT a badass trad climber by any means. I'm interested in moderate multi-pitch or cragging, I suppose, a bit more than long alpine.

Any of you experienced Park climbers care to point me to some place where I can find a gentle-ish introduction? (And maybe give me some pointers on things that are in season.)

You're close-ish to South Platte. I've always had fun going there.

There is a lot of good stuff in RMNP. Try Hallet's, The Petit, Sharkstooth, Notchtop, lots of others. Those are some of the more popular.

I am close to the Splatte, Eliot, and I love it! But I climbed there all winter, it's time to change things up a bit, at least for a trip or two.

Lumpy.

csproul wrote:Lumpy.

I'll second this. Lumpy is more "cragging" than alpine style objectives found in the park. But, if you want to climb something that's awesome try the North Ridge of The Spearhead or the easy South Face of the Arrowhead to North Ridge of McHenry's. This is an awesome weekend trip.

The 5.8 on Petit was my first alpine rock climb. I was with two more experienced climbers. It's a great route. Avoiding slow parties and finding the rap anchors are the two biggest obstacles.

Days of Heaven

Thanks for the input, guys,

One day not too far off I really want to climb the Casual Route on the Diamond, but I am not in that kind of shape, currently. Might as well get some practice on other stuff in the park.

And I'd still be climbing with that Locker dude if he hadn't up and left, gone back to the desert! All because he hates approaches and driving... :-)

Lumpy is good to go now. Alpine is still a little wet and snowy but that is changing fast.

Hey teece303...I'm in HR as well and always looking for trad partners. Currently lead comfortably at 5.8. Looking to progress into higher grades this season. Also would be interested for climbing in RMNP once it gets warmer and the snow melts. I can only climb on weekends as my job is M-F, 9-5. Let me know if interested.

Just got back from Lumpy. A bit of runoff here and there, otherwise its good to go.

Send me a PM, bmagee.