During the summer of 2000, I lived in Estes Park, working as little as possible and spending a lot of time in RMNP and Lumpy Ridge. I’ve been back many times, but it had been 4 years since my last trip, and Tracy had never been, so we loaded up the van and headed north for the weekend. I had almost forgotten how good the trad climbing there is, and we had a blast sampling some of the moderate offerings at the Book. Kind of nice to have to use your feet for a change, everything around here is so steep that slabby granite feels completely foreign at first. Tracy loves this style of climbing, and wants to go back every weekend!
We also met a lot of great folks at the cliff, most of whom seemed to know friends of ours, so we were all connected in some way. This lead to a lot of “Ooohh” moments from Tracy, like “ooooh how nice were those people” and “oooh look at all the new friends we have.” A big shout out to Ken and Aaron, and Myles, great to meet you guys!
Tracy on the approach to the Book.
Enjoying the first pitch of Melvin’s Wheel.
Our new friend Karen on the 2nd pitch of White Whale.
Hayden Carpenter and Tom Bohanon recently repeated an obscure ice climb on the south side of Mt Sopris. Given a brief mention in Jack Robert’s ice guide, Bulldog Creek Walk is described as being 100 meters of WI 4. What they found was seven pitches of ice in a remote setting that makes for one […]
Ah Lumpy, what a great place to hang and climb. Glad Tracy enjoyed her first trip there. It is one of my favorite places to crag, a 30 minute walk to 4-5 pitch routes, that is a sweet combo.
Next time check out Fantasy Ridge, Orange Julius and Climb of the Ancient Mariner(on your feet edging and smearing fest).
Melvin’s Wheel, what a great climb. Glad you guys had fun.
ahhh…. melvins wheel!
i have been trying to find you two for ever.how are things? im so glad to see your still climbing , sence i last talked to you i have goten marryed yesterday was our one year anaversery and we are exspecting a little baby girl . hope to hear from you two soon give me a call or somthing 208 705 2743
Great to meet you guys too. Looking forward to Stoneyfest.