Left to Right: Chad, Chris, Andy, David, and Slava. Leader Clare in Front!
Trip Leader Portrait
I led a CMC trip to the Whale’s Tail rock formation in Eldorado Canyon. It was a chilly fall day, but with very little wind, we’d have a super time. The Whale’s Tail formation is a good place to take a small group of people; I found that no more than 6 people is really the ideal group size.
I have climbed a bunch at Whale’s Tail, so none of the routes were new. However, Slava and I did have a good deal of fun climbing the center route in our approach shoes (on top rope, of course!).
The approach goes either up and over a block behind this tree…or around and to the right of this tree. I protected this exposed traverse for the participants of the trip. I would recommend doing the same, unless climbers are comfortable with exposed scrambling.
The view down from the exposed traverse! This is why I protect the traverse…it’s a long fall!
If you scramble up and over the block behind the tree, this is where you come down…the big squeeze crack below Slava is fun.
Chris climbing the West Face.
I’m decorating the West Dihedral with Pro!
Chad cleaning gear before finishing West Dihedral
Chad at the top of the West Dihedral. Strong climber and mellow guy!
Our best attempt to secure sponsorship from Crunchies. Unfortunately, the picture has been posted on the internet for months and no calls.
David Belaying from the Ledge
David climbing West Crack
My Peeps on the Ledge! Everybody having a blast.
Looking at my Peeps from the Top of Whale’s Tail. They look small.
Andy preparing to climb.
Andy climbing west crack.
All in all, a great day on the rock. Nobody was injured and everybody had fun. Success!
Tags: CMC, Eldorado Canyon, Rock Climbing, Whale's Tail