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The Crystal Tower Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in The Crystal Tower

L › R R › L A › Z

	Cornered Again S 5.11a/b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
	Crystallize S 5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b
	Hot Rocks S 5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b
	Mineral Museum T,S 5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
	Psychedelic Mini-Fridge S 5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
	Quartz Sports S 5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b
	Skippin' Stones S 5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a

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Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.

Elevation:	7,101 ft	2,164 m
GPS:	39.74003, -105.41468 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	36,546 total · 126/month
Shared By:	Richard M. Wright on Dec 31, 2000
Admins:	Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC Page Updates (admin only)

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Access Issue: Seasonal Raptor Closures Details

Please be aware of the annual raptor seasonal closures!

Raptor Closures Effective February 1-July 31

Visit: jeffco.us/open-space/news/2…

Tunnel 1 closure
For more details visit: jeffco.us/open-space/alerts…

CCC Raptor Nesting Closure 1 (MM 270, W of Tunnel 1). Photo reconfiguration: Ron Keller.

CCC Raptor Nesting Closure 2 (E of Tunnel 2). In 2016, the closure WAS lifted June 9 for ONLY the 2016 season, per Eric Krause, JeffCo OS Ranger. Photo reconfiguration: Ron Keller.

The two areas Jefferson County Open Space intends to close in Clear Creek Canyon, shown on the attached maps, encompass the active eagle nests. If the Clear Creek eagles continue to nest in the active nests, these areas will remain closed from February 1 through July 31. If the eagles choose different nesting sites, the closures will be adjusted accordingly to protect those eagles during their breeding season.

Currently, rock climbing areas that fall inside of the seasonal raptor closures include:

Blonde Formation
Bumbling Stock
Evil Area
Ghost Crag
Highlander
Skinny Legs
Stumbling Block
Tetanus Garden
Fault Caves

Access Issue: Private Property - be aware & respectful Details

Per Daniel Dunn, Stewardship Manager, Boulder Climbing Community ((803) 443-8822): this crag is on private property. The landowners are aware of the climbing on their property and continue to allow access for rock climbers. It is critical for long term access that everyone who climbs here is respectful and does their part to keep the crag in good shape. For more information on how to be a good steward, check out the Climber's Pact from Access Fund.

Description

The Crystal Tower is substantially taller than Primo and presently hosts seven fine climbs including the best moderate warm-up in the area. The rock is typical of Clear Creek Canyon with none of the occasional soft rock found in some places. A bit of pegmatite can be found here and there on most routes. Presently, all of the routes can be done with a 60 m rope.

Getting There

From The Primo Wall, just continue hiking East. The Crystal Tower is approximately 100 feet East of the last routes on Primo Wall just after a grassy drainage. There is frequently a Tyrolean Traverse set up just below The Crystal Tower. Unfortunately, like most Clear Creek Tyroleans, those that access Primo, The Crystal Tower, The Armory, and the new crag above The Armory - are frequently chopped. So, approach The Crystal Tower as you would for Primo, via the long hike from the bridge or via the Tyrolean. One can usually see the Tyrolean from the parking across the river from Primo.

L->R:

A. Psychedelic Mini-Fridge , 10, 1p, bolts.
B. Mineral Museum, 9+, 75', 1p, bolts.
C. Quartz Sports, 12, 1p, 80', bolts.
D. Hot Rocks, 12, 1p, bolts.
E. Skippin' Stones, 11, 1p, 65', bolts.
F. Hot Rocks, 12, 1p, 80', bolts.
G. Cornered Again, 11-, 1p, 70', bolts.
H. Crystallize, 12, 1p, 70', bolts.
I? Unknown, 1p, bolts.

7 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at The Crystal Tower

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.

5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a 326 ● Mineral Museum Trad, Sport
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b 115 ● Psychedelic Mini-Fridge Sport
5.11a/b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c 52 ● Cornered Again Sport
5.11c 6c+ 24 VIII- 24 E4 6a 244 ● Skippin' Stones Sport
5.12b 7b 26 VIII+ 26 E5 6b 88 ● Quartz Sports Sport
5.12c 7b+ 27 IX- 27 E6 6b 11 ● Hot Rocks Sport