SummitPost.org

Hi, I’m Sean and I’m relatively new to Colorado. I have done a fair bit of alpine scrambling in Washington State (with it’s relatively low but precipitous mountains) and I am shocked at the peak bagging mentality here in Colorado; sacrificing route and mountain quality for altitude. I mean no offense if this is what you are into.

I simply propose that we (people who have thorough knowledge of Colorado mountain, not me) should create a list or album of quality routes on Colorado peaks. Perhaps the theme could be “Colorado summit scrambles”, essentially non-walk-ups, not necessarily 14ers.

I’m trying to spread the word here on SP to try to stir up interest. I would love to be the one to set this up, but I yield to those who are vastly more knowledgeable on the area.

Would anyone be interested in instigating or contributing to such a page? I would appreciate any feedback or thoughts. Thanks.

Sean (geosean)

geosean wrote:I am shocked at the peak bagging mentality here in Colorado; sacrificing route and mountain quality for altitude. I mean no offense if this is what you are into.

Trying to make lots of local friends, aren't we?

A more politic approach would be to ask people to list their favorite scrambles. For instance, have you tried Kieners on Longs? Or the Snake Couloir on Sneffels?

Here's an old thread with more suggestions.

Sean-

Most people in Colorado seem to get into mountineering through the states 14,000' peaks, the majority of which are "walk up" mountains with trails. There are alternate routes on those peaks, some of which provide some good scrambling opportunities or technical climbs. Those routes have the added benefit of being "less traveled" and you are not too likely to see other climbers until the summit.

As for the hidden gems, the "best" scrambles in the state. I guess we are all a little selfish here. Many of us "cut our teeth" so to speak on the 14ers and want to keep the crowds away from the scrambling gems. If quality scrambling and not altitude are your objectives, head to the Indian Peaks, Gore, Elk, or several of the San Juan subranges like the Grenadier, Needles or Sneffels ranges. You will find an abundance of great fun to be had, and less crowds.

There is a book called "Colorado Scrambles" by Dave Cooper that has 50 such suggestions, 14er and non-14er, all over the state. Its a good starting off point for finding the good stuff to be sure! Many of the peaks in that book have neighbors with equally as good scrambling opportunities.

There are some lists already on SP as well that touch on classic scrambles and 5th class routes:

http://www.summitpost.org/list/634596/classic-colorado-14er-routes.html
http://www.summitpost.org/list/171455/5th-class-colorado-14er-routes.html
http://www.summitpost.org/list/247637/classic-flatiron-routes.html
http://www.summitpost.org/list/190898/colorado-ridge-scrambles.html
http://www.summitpost.org/list/171592/5th-class-colorado-peaks.html

Peakbagging is definately more popular in Colorado than the Cascades, but simply put, Colorado does not have nearly the same amount of quality rock routes that the Cascades does. But, there are still plenty to be had. Some of the most fun I've had has been in the Sangres and the San Juans. A couple examples:

http://www.100summits.com/trip-reports/ ... -peak.html

http://www.100summits.com/trip-reports/ ... -peak.html

Like Chicagotransplant said,
start with this little gem:



Dave Cooper has some beauties in it.

BTW: Kiener's Route on Long's is one of the best alpine routes in the state (IMO).

i hope this is what you're looking for - a magazine story i found listing the "best lesser known alpine climbs in colorado." idk what region you're aiming for, but maybe these will have the scenery and challenge you like.

http://www.elevationoutdoors.com/current-issue/features/peak-exposure/

if you take your time and do a proper research of the posted Colorado mountains/routes you will find plenty of great scrambling routes - be happy many people concentrate on the 14ers - leaves the rest of the mountains pretty much empty

Niederbayer wrote:if you take your time and do a proper research of the posted Colorado mountains/routes you will find plenty of great scrambling routes - be happy many people concentrate on the 14ers - leaves the rest of the mountains pretty much empty

Amen to that!