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| Messages 1 - 9 of total 9 in this topic |
ontos
Boulder climber
Washington DC
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Topic Author's Original Post - Mar 21, 2009 - 11:30pm PT
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So I just found out that I'll be in Denver for a business trip the week of Memorial day. I have the option of adding the weekend after Memorial day weekend to my trip and was thinking that getting out into the mountains might be fun. Having never so much as set foot in Colorado I need some advice. I'm looking for something that I could do alone or with an inexperienced partner, preferably with good views and minimal crowds. I don't mind taking a really light rack and a short piece of rope, but can't really justify lugging a full rack and double ropes for a single day. So I'm looking for a single day climb that can be done with a minimalist rack or no rack at all. I've looked into Kelso's Ridge to Torrey's Peak. Something like that appeals. Any beta on that particular climb would be appreciated, but other recommendations are also very much welcome; something a little more technical in particular would be nice.
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ontos
Boulder climber
Washington DC
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 23, 2009 - 11:44am PT
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shameless self bump.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Mar 23, 2009 - 11:48am PT
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You don't need a rack for Kelso ridge. It's 3rd class.
The biggest issue at that time is there may be lot's of
snow (if we ever get winter back here, and there could
be avy danger in Steven's Gulch.
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WallMan
Trad climber
Denver, CO
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Mar 23, 2009 - 02:09pm PT
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Ontos - Kelso Ridge is a classic climb. The only technical gear I would bring on this route in May is a mountaineering ice axe. With snow on the ridge, which there will almost certainly be in late May, there are short sections that are exposed fourth class. Most parties do no rope up for this route - so it is a reasonable solo. Avy danger in late May is usually low.
Expect a long day - the road to the summer trailhead may still be snowed in. The winter trailhead is I-70 - which adds a couple of miles each way. In late May you might be able to drive part way up the road.
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just passing thru
climber
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Mar 23, 2009 - 02:50pm PT
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Kelso Ridge is cool but it is a just hike except for a 20 foot section of 3rd class. As of last weekend, Kelso Ridge was almost totally snow-free, the winds have crushed that area this year. You should be go to go in May. However:
Never been in Colorado?
Day 1: Climb Third Flatiron/hangout in Boulder
Day 2: Hike up to Chasm Lake at the base of the Diamond/ hangout in Estes Park
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ontos
Boulder climber
Washington DC
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 23, 2009 - 08:21pm PT
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Thanks all.
I understand Third Flat Iron is closed in the spring for bird nesting, but I also understand that First Flat Iron is not. I think FFI is intriguing; could I swing it with a minimalist rack if I don't mind running it out a bit; are there routes suitable for soloing by a 5.7 leader? I'm liking this idea mucho.
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Decko
Trad climber
Colorado
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Mar 23, 2009 - 08:51pm PT
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First Flatirion is one of the finest 5.6 routes in the Country.
30 min approach, 1000' of super climbing......90' rappel off the top. Great views on the way up and on the ridge.......
Yea, Myself and my wife climb it all the time as a great default, hey lets go run up the 1st.......
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ontos
Boulder climber
Washington DC
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 23, 2009 - 09:36pm PT
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Decko,
If you'd really be up for showing me the 1st flat iron, it'd, sadly perhaps, be the highlight of my season. Do you mind if I PM you as my plans come together?
Best,
Patrick
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Decko
Trad climber
Colorado
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Mar 23, 2009 - 09:57pm PT
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No prob
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| Messages 1 - 9 of total 9 in this topic |
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