Wanted to get some input on some classic mountaineering routes in Colorado from everyone. Have three days off next week with a friend, trying to think outside the box of the usual stomping grounds. Looking for a easy/moderate route...something to plug some gear into, any suggestions...located in Denver, less driving better than more, what would you go climb if you had three days off next week?

A nice moderate route would be the Trough on Longs Peak. It was my first snow route. Go in from the Glacier Gorge parking lot just shy of Bear Lake. Its aboot 5 miles to the bottem of the Trough then a nice sloped snow climb up from there. Finish by climbing the choke stone and traversing the narrows then homestrech. Its a loong day but very fun. You could also camp somewhere after Mills lake. 2 cents worth.

John

Check out the East Ridge on Bancroft. Super close and super fun. You'll need a rope for one rap, and a small rack for a 25 ft. section of low 5th class. There's hardly any snow up there, so access should be pretty easy.