|
Base Camp
Up
| |
- Statistics:
- Date Hiked: October 11, 2010
- Miles Hiked: 0.3
- Elevation Gain: 300'
- Hiking Partner(s): Brian
Kooienga
- Description:
- Brian and I both work in the banking industry and had Columbus Day
off. Since it's too late for alpine rock and too early for ice, we
settled on cragging at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs (CO).
After driving to the Springs and getting our free climbers permit at the
visitors center, we made the arduous approach to the base of the north
ridge of Montezuma Tower. As we got to the tower, another party of
two was just bailing off the route due to the somewhat run out nature of
the climb. Although this didn't instill a lot of confidence in us,
the ridge didn't look too bad so Brian and I geared up to give it a go.
Brian and I each led the pitch on what we considered a worthwhile climb.
- The north ridge of Montezuma Tower is essentially a sport climb that
is moderately run out in between huge eyebolts, fixed pins, and one
climbing bolt. I thought the crux of the route is about 15 feet
off the deck before you get to the first large eyebolt. Brian and
I thought this was the only 5.7 move on the route, and I think Brian
even questioned that. The arete is narrow and exposed, but "steps"
have been carved into the friction moves reducing the difficulty quite a
bit. We still thought is was a fun climb especially
considering the amount of tourists that are around to check out how cool
you are. The climb can easily be done with one 60m rope;
however, you likely won't be able to rappel to the ground with it and a
tag line is required to get back down.
- After we took our turn leading the route, we returned to Highlands
Ranch (CO) to celebrate Columbus Day at the Rio with margaritas and
Coronas. Our other two primary climbing partners were too busy
working for the man, so we had to fill up on tequila and beer by
ourselves before calling
it a day.
- Maps:
- Photographs:
|
