The Alpine – There’s no place quite like it; the zone in the high peaks where rock and snow define the landscape.
Whether it is a pure rock climb or a combination of the 3 disciplines (rock, snow, ice), for climbers there is no better way to practice our craft than in the alpine surrounded by high peaks.
Climbers come from all over the world to climb in Rocky Mountain National Park. The climbing options abound for all abilities. From shorter classics, to longer and steeper routes, it’s all here right out our door.
Please call for information and suggestions for your alpine climb. KMAC guides will work closely with you offering climbing suggestions to design your outing.
Here are a few of our Alpine favorites: * Notes as one of the “Fifty Classic Climbs in North America”:
Petite Grepon, South Face – (5.8 – 8 pitches – 2.5 hour approach)
Incredible climbing, this climb is on the list of the 50 best climbs in North America for a reason. Fun and interesting features lead to a summit floating in the sky no bigger than a strip of sidewalk.
Hallett Peak North Face: Noted for its reasonable 2 hour approach to the base, this historic climb in the alpine has just about everything- Face, cracks, and wonderful stemming all in a position of unrivaled beauty.
Culp Bosier – (5.8)
Jackson Johnson – 7 pitches, (5.9)
Love Route- 6 pitches, (5.8)
Spearhead: 3 hour approach
East Ridge – (5.6 – 6 pitches –): Incredible setting and very enjoyable climbing up a ridge line to the summit of a spire in the middle of one of the most beautiful cirques on earth.
North East Ascent – Scrambling leads up to the spectacular traverse to the very end point of the actual Spears Head with exposure you remember forever.
Sharks Tooth: 3 hour approach.
South Face – 5 pitches 5.4
South Ridge – 5 pitches 5.8
Notchtop Mountain: 2 hour approach.
Spiral route – 6 pitches, 5.5 – Very enjoyable outing, the climbing will never be overly difficult but the exposure will steadily rise as the valley floor recedes. Excellent first alpine climb.
South Face – 7 pitches, 5.9 – Excellent crack climbing always in the sun and exposed.
Beginner Alpine Climb, the Little Matterhorn – (4th to low 5th class): Perfect for beginners, families and young children. After a two hour hike you begin scrambling on the lower slopes to gain the Little Matterhorn ridge. We’ll follow this ridge roped together meandering from side to side as the exposure increases.
Longs Peak
Keyhole Ridge – 8 pitches, 5.5 (pure rock and seldom climbed classic)
Keyhole – Early season rock, snow, ice – Rock after July