Alpine Climbing & Mountaineering
Rocky Mountain National Park from Above
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.
Classic Alpine Climbs and Mountaineering Routes
Alpine Prep Day
Need a tune-up before going out to climb an alpine route? Book an alpine prep day to go out with your guide beforehand and brush up on skills. This is a great way to help set yourself up for success on your climb.
Custom Alpine Climb
Plan out the perfect route for you with a guide.
Sharkstooth
This striking tower sits high above Andrews Creek, and is one of the highest elevation pinnacles in the park. This makes the NE Ridge route a classic and sought after alpine climb.
Difficulty: 5.6
Season: July-August
Petit Grepon
This dramatic alpine tower is famously included in “The Fifty Classic Climbs of North America” and it’s no secret why. The classic South Face route is a beautifully exposed 5.8 with excellent climbing and a summit not much larger than your dining table.
Difficulty: 5.9
Season: May-September
North Ridge of Spearhead
Perched high in Glacier Gorge the triangular summit of Spearhead has drawn the eye of climbers throughout history. The 9 pitch ‘North Ridge’ is a moderate alpine classic.
Difficulty: 5.6
Season: July – August
Culp – Bossier
The north face of Hallett Peak may be one of the most photographed mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sitting above the popular Emerald Lake, the Culp-Bossier route is a long and sought after climb.
Difficulty: 5.8+
Season: June – August
Kiener’s Route
The premier mountaineering route in Rocky Mountain National Park. This climb has it all, steep snow, rock climbing, exposed traversing and a 14,000ft summit on Long’s Peak. This should be on every mountaineers tick list.
Difficulty: 5.5, Steep Snow
Season: June – August
Great Dihedral
A classic climb on Hallett Peak. This moderate route is a great entry into alpine rock climbing. Climb perfect dihedrals for 5 pitches up to the top of Hallett’s first buttress.
Difficulty: 5.7
Season: June – August
Zowie
The Petit Grepons little sibling. A similarly small summit on a pinnacle, but with a shorter approach and easier climbing.
Difficulty: 5.8
Season: June – August
The Diamond
The most imposing alpine face in Rocky Mountain National Park. The East Face of Long’s Peak (aka “The Diamond”) is the highest altitude big wall in the lower 48. One of our favorite climbs in the park, this route is a serious undertaking. Give us a call and we can set you up with an AMGA Certified Rock Guide to help walk you through achieving this goal.
Looking For a Shorter Climb?
Estes Park is abundant in multi-pitch routes. Those looking for a less committing and shorter day than an alpine route, should explore our multi-pitch offerings.