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Mickey Mouse Wall

Colorado > Boulder > Eldorado Mountain
Warning Access Issue: Private Property issues DetailsDrop down
Warning Access Issue: Closed for raptor nesting from February 1 through July 31 - each year DetailsDrop down

Description

The rock at Mickey is clandestine in a sense. It sees very little traffic since the approach is so long, but the area gives an almost "mystical" aura, to quote my friend Dave Simmons.

There are some great routes here up to 4 pitches long. The greatest majority of the routes are traditionally protected, although the most difficulty are mostly bolt protected. The grading of the routes is starkly grounded. Approaches tend to have poison ivy in way more places than you would like.

The shortened season and the longer approach make the climbing here that much more precious.

There is now legal approaches, thanks to the hard efforts of the climbing community.

Getting There

Complicated! Print this out!

To reach Mickey Mouse Wall, take the road to Eldo and turn left on County Road 67 (paved) right before the town. Go about 300 yards to a locked gate. Park here.

Hike up the same road to the south, then to the north, then back south. At 1/2 mile there is another dirt road to the left. Pass this to the right, turn back to the north and pass through a major rock cut. Here the road turns south; when it turns back north, you will be in a small drainage filled with trees.

Hike up this drainage for ~200 yards up a very indistinct trail. Find an old road and follow it for a few hundred yards until it intersects a larger dirt road. Find a good trail at this intersection and hike up through open forest and a grassy meadow.

Crest a small ridge and you will find a fork. The left goes downhill and to the southeast. Take the right fork uphill to the southwest. Follow this trail to the railroad tracks.

At the tracks, turn left and go AROUND tunnel 6 (there will be a "T6" sign). The old approach had you listen for trains first, be careful, and go fast!

Eds. there is also a trail that goes around Tunnel 6. It gains 150-200 vertical feet, but it is legal.

The wall is immediately on the other side of the tunnel. There is a very poor trail right under the wall, and big talus (preferable) a little to the left. Hike up to your route.

Per Byron Murray:

New hiking trails in the area therefore updating directions:

To reach Mickey Mouse Wall, take the road to Eldo and turn left on County Road 67 (paved) right before the town. Go about 300 yards to a locked gate. Park here.



Hike up the maintained gravel road, avoiding a left after about 0.5 mile, and continue through a rock cut. Continue hiking up the road aka "Fowler Trail" avoiding a few single track trails heading off to the right. Continue hiking up the road avoiding roads that go off to the right up to the Conda Quarry. At an intersection with a road and a gate on the right continue straight onto a double track for about 100 feet and then take a right onto a single track.



Continue on the single track avoiding a left single track aka "Goshawk Ridge Trail" all the way to the train tracks.



At the tracks, many climbers USED to turn left and go through tunnel 6 (there will be a "T6" sign). They USED HAVE TO listen for trains first, be careful, and go fast!

MUCH BETTER NOW, when you arrive at the tracks, turn left and walk along the east side of the tracks towards the tunnel (tunnel 6). About 20 feet before the tunnel, take a faint trail up the dirt berm on the left.



The wall is immediately on the other side of the tunnel. Please DO NOT go through the tunnel. You will climb approximately 200 feet contouring uphill to skirt around the east side of the tunnel, generally paralleling the direction of the tracks. Eventually you will crest the ridge and start descending, continuing to contour around the ridge until you arrive back at the tracks. Promptly cross the tracks and continue towards the wall on the southwest side of the tracks. There is a very poor trail right under the wall, and big talus (preferable) a little to the left. Hike up to your route.

Per Tank Evans: there is a well worn trail that bypasses the tunnel 6 that is MUCH preferred than the old approach through the tunnel. The trail over adds maybe 5 minutes to the approach and is the RECOMMENDED APPROACH.

Routes from Left to Right

5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 1
Unnamed Dihedral
Trad
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 5
Eagle's Bier
Trad 3 pitches
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
 32
Lifestream
Trad, Sport 2 pitches
5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b
 6
Zen Effects
Sport
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
 28
Beagle's Ear
Trad 2 pitches
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c
 6
Hamburger Helper
Trad
5.10b/c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b R
 7
Fake Right, Go Left
Trad
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
 6
Don't Panic, It's Organic
Trad 2 pitches
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a
 34
Parallel Journey
Trad 2 pitches
5.12- 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a
 3
Zambezi
Trad 2 pitches
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 11
Vulcans Don't Lie
Trad
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 244
Perversion
Trad 3 pitches
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a R
 18
Vergin' on Perversion
Trad, Sport 4 pitches
5.11+ 7a 24 VIII 24 E4 6a
 4
Sidewinder
Trad
5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b
 132
Captain Beyond
Trad 5 pitches
5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b
 10
Astral Traveller
Trad 4 pitches
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 1
Dark Matter
Trad 3 pitches
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 30
Culp's Fault
Trad 2 pitches
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a
 13
The Three Mousketeers
Sport
5.12a/b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6a
 8
Mighty Mouse
Sport
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
 24
Simian's Way
Trad 3 pitches
5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 80
Green Dihedral
Trad 2 pitches
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c R
 6
Boxcar Willie
Sport
5.13c/d 8b 31 X 31 E8 7a
 2
The Red Arete
Sport 5 pitches
5.13- 7c+ 29 IX+ 29 E7 6c R
 9
Red Dihedral
Trad 3 pitches
5.13a/b 8a 29 IX+ 29 E7 6c
 5
Stigmata
Trad, Sport
5.11- 6c 22 VIII- 22 E3 5c R
 1
Fluffy Bunny
Trad
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c X
 10
Krystal Klyr
Trad, TR
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c X
 8
Perilous Journey
TR
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b PG13
 31
Asahi
Trad, Sport 2 pitches
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a R
 10
The Offset
Trad, TR
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a PG13
 1
Turnabout
Trad
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b X
 6
Skink's Lip
Trad, TR
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c R
 2
Monks in the Gym
Trad, TR
5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 13
Shiva's Dance
Trad 2 pitches
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 1
Flakes
Trad 3 pitches
5.11+ 7a 24 VIII 24 E4 6a PG13
 5
Mausoleum
Trad 2 pitches
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a R
 2
Oblique Streak
Trad
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Unnamed Dihedral
 1
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Trad
Eagle's Bier
 5
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad 3 pitches
Lifestream
 32
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Trad, Sport 2 pitches
Zen Effects
 6
5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b Sport
Beagle's Ear
 28
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Trad 2 pitches
Hamburger Helper
 6
5.11 6c+ 23 VIII- 23 E4 5c Trad
Fake Right, Go Left
 7
5.10b/c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b R Trad
Don't Panic, It's Organic
 6
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b Trad 2 pitches
Parallel Journey
 34
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a Trad 2 pitches
Zambezi
 3
5.12- 7a+ 25 VIII+ 25 E5 6a Trad 2 pitches
Vulcans Don't Lie
 11
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Trad
Perversion
 244
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Trad 3 pitches
Vergin' on Perversion
 18
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a R Trad, Sport 4 pitches
Sidewinder
 4
5.11+ 7a 24 VIII 24 E4 6a Trad
Captain Beyond
 132
5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b Trad 5 pitches
Astral Traveller
 10
5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b Trad 4 pitches
Dark Matter
 1
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad 3 pitches
Culp's Fault
 30
5.8+ 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad 2 pitches
The Three Mousketeers
 13
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a Sport
Mighty Mouse
 8
5.12a/b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6a Sport
Simian's Way
 24
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Trad 3 pitches
Green Dihedral
 80
5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad 2 pitches
Boxcar Willie
 6
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c R Sport
The Red Arete
 2
5.13c/d 8b 31 X 31 E8 7a Sport 5 pitches
Red Dihedral
 9
5.13- 7c+ 29 IX+ 29 E7 6c R Trad 3 pitches
Stigmata
 5
5.13a/b 8a 29 IX+ 29 E7 6c Trad, Sport
Fluffy Bunny
 1
5.11- 6c 22 VIII- 22 E3 5c R Trad
Krystal Klyr
 10
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c X Trad, TR
Perilous Journey
 8
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c X TR
Asahi
 31
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b PG13 Trad, Sport 2 pitches
The Offset
 10
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a R Trad, TR
Turnabout
 1
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a PG13 Trad
Skink's Lip
 6
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b X Trad, TR
Monks in the Gym
 2
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c R Trad, TR
Shiva's Dance
 13
5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad 2 pitches
Flakes
 1
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Trad 3 pitches
Mausoleum
 5
5.11+ 7a 24 VIII 24 E4 6a PG13 Trad 2 pitches
Oblique Streak
 2
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a R Trad

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Map directions to Mickey Mouse Wall.
[Hide Photo] Map directions to Mickey Mouse Wall.
Beware, the ivy is not the only poisonous thing up at Micky Mouse Wall. I've run into a few of these guys over the years as well. Photo by Tony Bubb, 1996.
[Hide Photo] Beware, the ivy is not the only poisonous thing up at Micky Mouse Wall. I've run into a few of these guys over the years as well. Photo by Tony Bubb, 1996.
Mickey Mouse Wall from above and West.  The big dihedrals and cracks are visible from here.
[Hide Photo] Mickey Mouse Wall from above and West. The big dihedrals and cracks are visible from here.
The route to Mickey Mouse
[Hide Photo] The route to Mickey Mouse
[Hide Photo] untitled
Mickey Mouse Wall - Green and Red Dihedrals from the talus.
[Hide Photo] Mickey Mouse Wall - Green and Red Dihedrals from the talus.
Some of the hard goods on Mickey Mouse Wall.
[Hide Photo] Some of the hard goods on Mickey Mouse Wall.
[Hide Photo] untitled
Mickey Mouse Wall.
[Hide Photo] Mickey Mouse Wall.
Upper Mickey Mouse Wall - unknown crack.
[Hide Photo] Upper Mickey Mouse Wall - unknown crack.
The turnoff for Dead End Trail is clearly marked with a signpost.
[Hide Photo] The turnoff for Dead End Trail is clearly marked with a signpost.
Micky Ears seen from Fowler Trail.
[Hide Photo] Micky Ears seen from Fowler Trail.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Gary Hann
Coal Creek Canyon,Colorado
[Hide Comment] The standard rap route on this rock is in bad shape. Rotten sling nests at the raps that are still there. The second rap is completely missing. You will end up about 25 feet short of the third rap with a standard 50m rope. Needs many long slings for repair. Take a long rope or plan to spend some extra time rigging an anchor to belay down to the third rap. This was the condition on 26 Aug 01. Sep 13, 2001
[Hide Comment] As of 10/20/02 the rap stations are in excellent shape. One two rope rap from several new looking slings with rap rings to a shorter (one rope fine) rap off a huge tree on a ledge with more good looking slings. Walk off to the left (as you look at the wall). Oct 22, 2002
Casey Bernal
Wheat Ridge, CO
[Hide Comment] My partner and I replaced the topmost slings on the rap route. I have the old ones in a plastic grocery bag that is nearly stuffed full. We did not replace the second rap anchor (only needed if you have one rope - just swing right) which definitely needs it but we were out of webbing.

From the amount of slings, ropes, and shite that we pulled down it is safe to guess that this has not been done for a while. It would make much more sense to put in a couple of rap bolts because they are certainly less noticable and safer than the clump of webbing we replaced. I guess that is the way it has to be since the Flatiron Bolting Ban ... they should change it to create a committee like the rest of Eldo.

casey bernal Jan 8, 2003
Joe Collins
Boulder, CO
[Hide Comment] The trail along the base of the cliff is covered in THICK Poison Ivy right now. Way worse than I've ever seen in the Black Canyon. Best to approach via the boulderfield that parallels the cliff. Aug 1, 2003
[Hide Comment] Is it ok again to approach [Mickey Mouse] along the tracks from the south? We approached from the parking area outside of [Eldo] (past the yoga studio) and man! That was a long hike (yes, I am a wimp). We had heard that hiking along the tracks from the south was now considered a Very Bad thing to do. Is this true? Thanks... Sep 21, 2003
Brian Milhaupt
Golden, CO
[Hide Comment] Yes AC, the tracks were being repaired earlier this year making access from the south more cumbersome. The work is done and the raptor closure is over!! Sep 27, 2003
clint dillard
Louisville, Co
[Hide Comment] We wanted to walk in on the tracks today, but there are still a lot of work crews up there and train supervisor types hanging around. I don't know if that approach will be an option for while. Oct 9, 2003
[Hide Comment] We approched via the tracks yesterday with no problem. The only downside is you can't hear the trains from very far away and some of those tunnels are pretty narrow!!! Oct 24, 2003
[Hide Comment] FYI - we approached from [Plainview] and got stuck waiting for a train that was waiting on another train...while waiting, we chatted with one of the conductors who suggested we be very careful to not get caught. Apparently not only do you get ticketed now , but since 9/11 you will probably be charged with 'threat to homeland security (Amtrak uses those lines and it has something to do with public transportation, etc...)' Nov 18, 2003
[Hide Comment] ....Anyone climb at the West Bank anymore? Great stuff. It is just south of Micky Mouse.

Oh [yeah], no matter how you go to Mickey [Mouse], you have to get close to the tracks. [Locomotive] Breath is right on the tracks... Nov 18, 2003
[Hide Comment] Hey Dave, How was the poison ivy out there? Haven't been up there this summer, but last summer it was head high, must even be worse now...or has it started to die back? Russ Holcomb Aug 16, 2004
Carissa Aoki
Fort Collins, CO
[Hide Comment] Yes, poison ivy is rampant as of this past weekend. Also, just a note about the trains. The freight trains are okay, because they honk their horns a lot, are pretty noisy, and don't go very fast. The Amtrak trains, on the other hand, don't honk at all, are seemingly silent, and go very fast! We did the approach via the 4 tunnels from Plainview Road. It was easy to avoid the freight trains, but we practically got run over by an Amtrak that we didn't hear coming until it was practically on top of us. (We were in a short tunnel, and didn't hear it when we entered the tunnel - by the time we were running to exit the tunnel, the train was already right behind us.)

But, that said, how great to climb on such wonderful rock on a sunny Sunday with no crowds! Aug 30, 2004
[Hide Comment] Umm, help. Mickey Mouse Wall will soon be closed. Permanently.

It is owned by Boulder. Under the proposed new OSMP Visitor Plan, a number of local crags will be shut down forever. Mickey Mouse is the largest. Others include Continental Crag (up above Peanuts), Upper Peanuts Wall, The Sacred Cliffs.

Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks have presented this proposal to Boulder City Council. Boulder City Council will discuss this on Tuesday 14th December.

Please phone or email the Boulder City Council Members (who love to hear from people about issues like this) that this is unacceptable.

Show up this Tuesday, Dec 14th at 6:00pm at Council Chambers (Broadway and Canyon). Bring a friend, or two, or eight. Let's pack the room.

More details are at:

keep-open-space-open.org/

Details of the folks who will decide on this issue are at:

ci.boulder.co.us/cmo/cityco…

They are:

Robin Bohannan 303-524-9067 11/18/03 11/072814 15th Street; 80304 720-938-5215bohannanr@ci.boulder.co.usbohannan@indra.comThomas Eldridge 303-449-8419 303-443-3336 02/18/97 11/051301 Canyon Blvd. #406; 80302 303-443-3336 (fax)eldridget@ci.boulder.co.usCrystal Gray 303-449-9680 11/18/03 11/071709 Spruce Street; 80302grayc@ci.boulder.co.uscrystal_boulder@hotmail.comShaun McGrath 720-304-2165 11/18/03 11/05225 29th Street; 80305mcgraths@ci.boulder.co.uss.l.mcgrath@att.netGordon Riggle 303-530-7181 11/18/97 11/055225 Pinehurst Dr.; 80301riggleg@ci.boulder.co.usMark Ruzzin 303-417-9798 11/20/01 11/073135 5th St.; 80304ruzzinm@ci.boulder.co.usmruzin@swenergy.orgAndy Schultheiss 303-440-3321 11/18/03 11/053370 25th Street; 80304schultheissa@ci.boulder.co.usJack Stoakes 303-449-3374 303-449-3374 11/18/03 11/072727 Folsom St., #110; 80304stoakesj@ci.boulder.co.usWilliam R. Toor 303-544-0104 11/18/97 11/053032 10th St.; 80304toorw@ci.boulder.co.us Email, phone or write. Do all three. Dec 12, 2004
[Hide Comment] If in their great wisdom the City of Boulder closes MMW to the few rockclimbers that venture up there each month I'll file with the OSMP a "notification to kiss my Ass..." Dec 25, 2004
[Hide Comment] Tod Anderson refered to "the Mickey Mouse closure" under the "Ridge I" page. Does that mean that the proposal was accepted? Is Mickey Mouse Wall legally open at this point? Nov 26, 2005
Clint Locks
Boulder
[Hide Comment] Another approach alternative:
From the book:
"From Hwy 170, turn left at the paved road and continue up to a locked gate. Hike on the road..."

our version, continued:
...then make a bad decision, bearing left on said road instead of right, necessitating a bushwhack (read: "hacking through bushes") up over the ridge. Trend south, slightly descending into the valley, and attempt to take a faint game trail which ends up going through a fence that would take you onto posted private property. Alternatively, continue steep bushwhack up to railroad tracks, negotiating veritable lakes of poison ivy and forests of young willows along the way, finally arriving 75 feet above the train bridge. Descend the 75 feet and cross the tracks. Negotiate more poison ivy and climb the loose talus and boulder field. It is now 10:30 a.m. 'Perversion' is still a ways up. Do not be daunted. It's worth the effort. Should've taken a right at the fork in the road." Aug 18, 2006
Danny Inman
Arvada
[Hide Comment] Rap route between the central and south towers is in good shape. Did it yesterday, and there is new webbing dated Sept 2006. Sep 25, 2006
Kevin Murphy
Longmont, CO
[Hide Comment] Does anyone know the history of the route that veers off of "Capt. Beyond's" first pitch, cuts left, ring bolt, pins???? also the SICK looking thin crack left of Perversion, 100+ ft. couple fixed RPs. Sep 15, 2008
Kevin Murphy
Longmont, CO
[Hide Comment] My bad, the long seam left of "Perversion" is 11c S. Zermonion or something. Very cool looking line. Sep 17, 2008
Byron Murray
Boulder, CO
[Hide Comment] New hiking trails in the area therefore updating directions:

To reach Mickey Mouse Wall, take the road to Eldo and turn left on County Road 67 (paved) right before the town. Go about 300 yards to a locked gate. Park here.

Hike up the maintained gravel road, avoiding a left after about 0.5 mile, and continue through a rock cut. Continue hiking up the road aka "Fowler Trail" avoiding a few single track trails heading off to the right. Continue hiking up the road avoiding roads that go off to the right up to the Conda Quarry. At an intersection with a road and a gate on the right continue straight onto a double track for about 100 feet and then take a right onto a single track. Continue on the single track avoiding a left single track aka "Goshawk Ridge Trail" all the way to the train tracks.

At the tracks, turn left and go through tunnel 6 (there will be a "T6" sign). Listen for trains first, be careful, and go fast!

The wall is immediately on the other side of the tunnel. There is a very poor trail right under the wall, and big talus (preferable) a little to the left. Hike up to your route. Oct 18, 2008
Randy Carmichael
Boulder, CO
[Hide Comment] When I tried to park at the County Road 67 locked gate, there were no parking signs posted. Has this changed? Nov 21, 2008
Guy H.
Fort Collins CO
[Hide Comment] The no parking signs were for one side of the road, when I was there a few weeks ago. You can park on the left side of the road as you approach the locked gate. Nov 21, 2008
Julius Beres
Boulder, CO
[Hide Comment] What is the story with access to Mickey Mouse Wall?

According to the description posted on MP:
"At an intersection with a road and a gate on the right continue straight onto a double track for about 100 feet and then take a right onto a single track."

We hiked up that way and at the single track, there is a sign that says "climber access trail only, dead end"
Further up the trail, just before you get to the railroad tracks, there is another large sign saying "Raptor Nesting Closure. Area behind this sign is closed between February 1 and July 31."

We hiked past that and then did not go through the tunnel, but rather used the trail around it, thinking it would be safer. When we got out on the other side of the tunnel, we were about 15 feet from the railroad tracks and there was another raptor closure sign. At this point, a rail road worker saw us and started yelling, being quite rude, and threatening to call the railroad police.

We had not yet stepped on the railroad tracks (there was a train stopped through the tunnel). We had just passed a raptor closure sign, and I'm not sure what laws apply. The sign, by saying the area is closed between Feb-July, implies the area to be open the rest of the year.

So, what is the story? Can the railroad really have you arrested? I can maybe see it is illegal to cross the tracks or run through the tunnel (we went around it), but this rude guy was being a jerk and telling me all the area around was railroad property, including the hillside we just came up which had several Boulder Open Space signs on it, so I think he was just being full of shit and threatening us.... Sep 2, 2010
fossana
leeds, ut
[Hide Comment] We came in from the trail behind Eldo post yesterday and found the MP directions to be very confusing.

Amended instructions:

Get onto Fowler trail^. Take Fowler to the Goshawk Ridge trail intersection. Continue onto Goshawk. Just past where it turns from gravel road to dirt singletrack, go right on the signed climber's trail. Take the trail to the railroad tracks. Select a way to get past the railroad tunnel. After the tunnel, look on the right side of the tracks for a faint trail that dips down briefly then skirts the base of Mickey Mouse Wall.

^ Options to access Fowler: Road 67, one of the Eldo town cut-offs, or from behind the Bastille. The Bastille way is the most straightforward if you're coming from the town of Eldo. Oct 24, 2012
David Tennant
Denver, CO
[Hide Comment] I created a Google My Maps for the directions to the wall, so if you really wanted, you could follow yourself on your smartphone as you hike to the wall.

google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=… Apr 23, 2015
Hayden robinson
Curry village, Yose
[Hide Comment] Does anyone have the beta on the aid route Rene? I heard that it can be done cleanly now. Feb 3, 2017
[Hide Comment] Some train/tunnel beta from an October weekday:

We saw an Amtrak train around 9am. From that time until around 530-6pm, we saw one other train. Sometime between 530-6pm, as we were descending from the crag down to the tracks, a southbound coal train appeared out of tunnel six and cleared the tunnel maybe three minutes before we started walking the tracks, northbound into tunnel six. We figured there would not be another train for the foreseeable future, so we walked the tunnel with less trepidation/urgency than usual. (I've been in one of the other tunnels when a train appeared.) Less than five minutes after we exited the tunnel a southbound Amtrak entered the tunnel, moving fairly quickly and disturbingly quietly. Oct 17, 2017
[Hide Comment] Please, please, please, DO NOT GO THROUGH THE TUNNEL to access Mickey Mouse or Industrial Wall. There is a well worn trail that bypasses the tunnel 6. I saw 3 separate parties this last weekend go through the tunnel so I stopped by here and am flabbergasted that the recommended approach beta is still through this tunnel. The trail over adds maybe 5 minutes to the approach and is the RECOMMENDED APPROACH.

Going through the tunnel jeopardizes both the life of you and your party as well as continued access to the fantastic climbing that Mickey Mouse and Industrial Wall have to offer. I personally have been caught in the tunnel by the Amtrak years ago and know of countless other parties with the same experience. Listening to the tacks WILL NOT WORK for the Amtrak, Its only a matter of time...

Admins, PLEASE UPDATE THE APPROACH DESCRIPTION! This has not been the recommended approach for at least 5-6 years. Nov 12, 2018
Keith W
Westminster
[Hide Comment] Cara, it probably adds 10-15 minutes to go over the tunnel on the trail. Maybe less if it isn't snow/ice packed. Dec 22, 2019
Mark Roth
Boulder
[Hide Comment] There is a new route application submitted for the May 2021 cycle of the FCC's Fixed Hardware Review Committee application process. Please visit the FCC site: flatironsclimbing.org to review the application, and leave any comments you have. The public vote and meeting will be held June 2nd at 7pm. May 11, 2021
Drew Eflin
Denver, CO
[Hide Comment] Okay, at the risk of being ridiculed by the general public, thought I would share my experience to others who may be considering "the tunnel vs. hill over the tunnel" approach..

Me and my climbing partner despite reading NOT to go through the tunnel, got to the tunnel (first time up to this wall) and decided to quickly jog through (and take the "lazy way") as it was dead silent. Shortly after, on our way up to the base of the wall a railroad truck cruised through (slowly could hear him coming), and at the time, my biggest fear was of a giant fine for being in the tunnel if one of those guys caught you.

Throughout the day a couple other smaller rail vehicles passed, but then we hadn't heard anything for a few hours, it was closer to evening as we walked off. Again, all was quiet, decided to go through the tunnel. After getting through, within 1-2 minutes of getting through, a passenger train (I think this may be the one that goes up to Winter Park) FLEW by, could barely hear it coming, was HAULING ass, and would have 100% SMOKED anyone in the tunnel (also there's no way you would out run it by the time you heard it if you were in the middle of the tunnel). Not to mention there are some spots that are narrower than others in the tunnel, and I doubt there'd be enough room to "get skinny".... Needless to say, will not be going through tunnel again...and for sure would say an extra 5-10mins of hiking after you've slogged that far is worth not getting hit by a train. Aug 27, 2021
Jesse B
Colorado
[Hide Comment] What are the plans for the fixed lines going all the way to the summit near Captain Beyond? So much worse/ugly than rappel tat. Oct 31, 2021
Ellen S
Boulder, CO
[Hide Comment] Snow beta: on a Sunday after a Friday snow and sunny Saturday:

- Green Dihedral was dry.
- Perversion was wet and snowy.
- the approach was snowy and very slippery, microspikes recommended.
- climbing was comfy in the sun (11am-2:30pm only). Jan 23, 2022
[Hide Comment] Here is my take on directions to the wall. I hope this is helpful:

From CO Highway 93, turn west onto CO Highway 170 (gas station) heading towards Eldorado Canyon. As you near the canyon proper, but before the town of Eldorado Springs, turn south onto CO Hwy 67 as if going to the Eldorado Mountain yoga ashram. Drive south on CO Hwy 67, and park near the gate that is typically locked. From the locked gate on CO Hwy 67, walk southward on what is now the Fowler Trail, and follow it as it passes through a few switchbacks. After about half a mile, the road forks. Take the right-hand fork (heading generally north). The trail continues to gain elevation and passes through a narrow and distinct rocky roadcut. Continue on as it works through more switchbacks. After roughly 1 mile, you will see the Fowler Trail intersects with the Goshawk Trail. Follow the Goshawk Trail. From the intersection, continue on the Goshawk Trail for approximately 1 more mile. Look for a posted climber access trail on the right. Turn right on the climber access trail (a small footpath, but it is easily identifiable). The trail goats its way up a steep meadows and wooded sections and eventually deposits you onto the railroad tracks after about ½ mile. Feel free to vomit here. Once at the tracks, turn south, passing the tunnel on a legal trail just on the left side of the tunnel. The tunnel avoiding trail follows a short, steep trail that passes over the shoulder immediately on the east side of the tunnel. Once on the south side of the tunnel, cross the tracks, and find an obvious path leading across a short, grassy section to the talusfield that takes you to the base of the wall. Oct 24, 2022
Tony B
Around Boulder, CO
[Hide Comment] According to this recently published map, Micky Mouse Wall is now in an HCA and requires a permit to visit: maps.bouldercolorado.gov/wi….

I have not verified that this is not an error, but it is pretty clear on the map. The Prow and Industrial Wall lie outside the HCA according to the same map. Dec 30, 2022
Mark Roth
Boulder
[Hide Comment] The Flatirons Climbing Council has received a new route application for the January 2024 cycle at the Mickey Mouse Wall.

Please leave any comments on our website: Flatironsclimbing.org.

The public meeting to vote on these routes will be held at 6:30pm February 5th at the BRC. Jan 3, 2024
Leo Paik
Westminster, Colorado
[Hide Comment] As usual, Mickey Mouse Wall is closed for raptor nesting Feb. 1 - July 31.

See: bouldercolorado.gov/service…. Feb 8, 2024
Amy Zalazar
Denver, CO
[Hide Comment] Friends, I highly recommend wearing pants on the approach if you know you're susceptible to poison ivy. I am full on aware of all the poison ivy in the area, because I am prone to getting it; however, even with pants, a sun shirt, staying in the boulderfield as much as possible, and showering immediately when I got home along with not touching my shoes/clothes, it still got me. It's extremely lush, and there was no avoiding tromping through it without a drip torch. Aug 10, 2024
Samuel Puckett
Denver, CO
[Hide Comment] Climbers accessing Mickey Mouse are exempt from needing the HCA permit according to signage on the approach. Oct 18, 2024